The Timberwolves plan to target Knicks point guard Derrick Rose in free agency, reports Ian Begley of ESPN.com.
Their interest in the 28-year-old point guard stems from his connection with coach/executive Tom Thibodeau, who coached Rose for five years in Chicago, including his MVP season in 2010/11. The teams had trade talks prior to the deadline involving Rose and Ricky Rubio, although nothing was worked out. Minnesota has roughly $22MM in cap space to spend this summer.
Entering free agency for the first time in his career, Rose should be completely recovered from a meniscus tear in his left knee that ended his season in early April. It’s the latest in a string of injuries that have plagued him over the past six years, although he was able to play 66 and 64 games the past two seasons.
Rose was part of a blockbuster trade that sent him from Chicago to New York last summer, but his first season in New York was seen as a disappointment. He averaged 18 points, 4.4 assists and 3.8 rebounds, but the Knicks won just 31 games, there were persistent questions about his defense and he briefly left the team without explanation in January.
Rose has said he is willing to stay in New York, but there have been conflicting reports about the team’s interest in keeping him.
“He enjoyed playing here even with the losses, which of course surprises us because he’s been on some very successful teams,” said Knicks president Phil Jackson. “But he wants to redeem himself as a player. Which I like that attitude. I like who Derrick represents as himself. He’s very direct about taking on a big challenge.”
Begley adds that San Antonio may also be a potential landing spot for Rose, depending what happens with other free agent point guards.
Rose told reporters this week that winning, not money, will be the priority in selecting his next team.
I still think he is one option that could potentially end up with the spurs
Rose with Lavine? Nah, they should draft Monk, sign Rose and trade Lavine to the Knicks for the Knick pick where they can pick up Markannen to put alongside Towns.
…and what about Dunn? I assume Rubio would be traded as well?
Yea trade Rubio, keep Dunn as backup. Sign Rose short term for 2-3 years 54 mil.
have to be crazy to do that!
Rose/Lavine that’s 3 bad knees outta 4 in your Backcourt Tom What are you doing D Rose go to SA Pops will give you the Days off you need allowing you to stay Fresh
Spurs wouldn’t take Rose. He’s the complete opposite of everything they preach. Pass, defense…two things not in his vocabulary.
So Rubio, Dunn, Tyus Jones and Rose? But no one at SF and SG (Lavine when’s he coming back?).
As smart as taking Rubio and Flynn in front of Steph Curry and DeRozan.
Isnt Wiggins at SG/SF?
Only do this if you can package Ricky, gorgie, and a future pick for porzingis, which will never happen.
Or if you can trade Ricky for Aaron Gordon.
That’s ridiculous. Magic would never do that
Noooooooooo!
I don’t understand the fascination with Derrick Rose. He is shoot first point guard who doesn’t have a reliable outside shot and is below average defender. I wouldn’t take for free. Throw in the salary and the propensity to injury and you have one hot mess. I am sure Phil is dying to get rid of him.
Actually considerIng Rose is a FA I doubt Jackson is desperate to rid himself of him
How about derricks will to win and take on challenges. How about he tries to make it through a season and becomes a team player.
I would be shocked if Rose was with the Knicks next season. I don’t think the Bulls want him, either. …That tells you all you need to know.
I thought Rubio was playing much better than Rose the second half of the season.
Derrick Rose is a dumbass
Surely Thibs isnt stupid enough to do this. If he does it will effectively ruin the Timberwolves.