NBA trade rumors: Derrick Rose to the New York Knicks?

The Bulls’ Rose 

Derrick Rose’s career with the Chicago Bulls has been full of ups and downs. Back in 2011, Rose was named the NBA’s most valuable player, and just five short years later, mostly due to injury, he has become a shell of his former self.

Some are suggesting that keeping Derrick Rose won’t be beneficial to the Chicago Bulls’ long-term future, and it appears that the Chicago Bulls front office may feel the same way, as it’s being heavily rumored that he team is looking to trade the former league MVP.

The latest trade rumors are suggesting that the New York Knicks are interested in acquiring Rose from the Bulls, but it’s unclear who the Knicks would be willing to give up to acquire Rose’s services.

If the Bulls are, in fact, interested in departing with Rose, the feeling may be mutual, as Rose told CSN Chicago that he’s looking forward to hitting free agency following next season, which may suggest that he’s eager to leave the Bulls’ organization.

“But when you talk about that much money the only thing you can do is prepare for it. I’m trying to prepare, not only myself, but my family. And I’m doing this all for my son. Like I said, I’m thinking about his future. Even though we’re alright, we’re comfortable, when you talk about that x-amount of dollars, I think it raises everyone’s eyebrows, so there’s nothing wrong with being over-prepared.”

Rose did say that he does want to stay in Chicago, however, the Bulls may not be willing to offer him the amount of money that he is expecting to be offered once he becomes a free agent in the summer of 2017.

He is set to make $20.9 million this season, which makes him the ninth highest paid player in the NBA. He’s set to make north of $20 million again next season, and he may be expecting to be offered a similar deal from several teams when he becomes a free agent.

But with him only playing 100 of a possible 312 games since the 2011-2012 season, which includes him missing all of the 2010-2013 season, there may be no team, including the Bulls, that is willing to offer Rose a long-term, financially strong deal.

Statistically, this season has been Rose’s worst, as he is averaging 14.9 points, 4.9 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game. With his numbers decreasing, the Bulls’ interest in keeping Rose for the long-haul may be decreasing as well.