Knicks Closing In On Deal To Acquire Derrick Rose: Report

The Knicks are closing in on a deal to acquire veteran point guard Derrick Rose from the Detroit Pistons in a move that would reunite him with his former coach Tom Thibodeau, according to a report.

The Athletic reported the Knicks will send Dennis Smith Jr. and draft compensation to the Pistons in exchange for Rose, 32, who is averaging 14.2 points and 4.2 assists. Smith Jr., out of Thibodeau’s rotation, recently asked to be transferred to the Knicks’ G League franchise for the Orlando bubble beginning this week.

Rose played for Thibodeau early in his career when he won the MVP with the Chicago Bulls and also with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The three-time NBA All-Star and 2011 NBA MVP played for the Knicks in 2016-17 under Jeff Hornacek.

Tommy Beer of Forbes SportsMoney said the trade would make more sense if the Knicks look to also deal veteran point guard Elfrid Payton while being sure not to cut into the playing time of rookie Immanuel Quickley out of Kentucky.

Payton, though, can veto a trade, which may complicate matters. He has started all 24 games for the Knicks and is averaging 12.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists.

Quickley, the No. 25 pick in last year’s draft, is averaging 12.4 points, 2.7 assists and 2.3 rebounds while becoming a Thibodeau favorite.

The Knicks also have veteran Austin Rivers averaging 8.2 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists.