Just one year after claiming the 4-seed in the Eastern Conference and earning a ton of accolades as an organization, including Tom Thibodeau being named the NBA’s Coach of the Year and Julius Randle winning Most Improved Player, the Knicks find themselves 34-43 and on the verge of being eliminated from postseason contention.
The 2021-22 season has been a complete disaster for the Knicks and now, heading into the offseason, team president Leon Rose and GM Scott Perry will be searching for answers on how to build this team back into a real playoff threat in the Eastern Conference.
Not only could this mean evaluating the future of All-Star Julius Randle on this roster, but the Knicks could also explore trade opportunities for a vast majority of their secondary talents in Kemba Walker, Alec Burks, and Derrick Rose.
Playing in just 26 games this season due to undergoing an ankle procedure, Derrick Rose has proven that he can still be a key role player in the backcourt.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Knicks-Lakers Trade Is Focused On Derrick Rose To L.A.
Since joining the Knicks last season, Rose has averaged 15.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and has shot 36% from long-range, making him an intriguing trade candidate for a handful of teams around the league heading into the offseason.
Needing to find production in their backcourt, it may seem foolish for the Knicks to get rid of one of their more consistent guards, but Derrick Rose is owed $14.5 million next season and then has a $15.6 million team option for the 2023-24 season.
Freeing up Rose’s contract right now could open the door for the Knicks to pursue another high-level talent to pair with the likes of Julius Randle and R.J. Barrett, which is why they could explore trade opportunities involving Derrick Rose in the offseason.
Also, with Immanuel Quickley starting to come into his own and rookie Quentin Grimes solidifying his spot in the Knicks’ rotation, the need for a veteran like Rose has diminished for this franchise.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Knicks-Lakers Trade Is Focused On Derrick Rose To L.A.
The Knicks could absolutely look to move Derrick Rose in the offseason and should he become available, these three teams could be interested in adding the veteran guard to their roster.
