Assessing Clutch Points’ Derrick Rose trade for the Milwaukee Bucks

The New York Knicks’ POV on the Derrick Rose trade with Milwaukee Bucks

While this trade does make some sense from the Milwaukee Bucks’ POV, it would be somewhat head-scratching for the New York Knicks.

Rose has been a crucial piece for the Knicks since he came aboard, and he has a close relationship with head coach Tom Thibodeau, which was a prominent reason why they traded for the guard in the first place. It would be somewhat shocking to see the team trade him away, especially as they are all in on winning now. Rose missed a sizeable chunk of this past season due to injury, and his absence was on full display. New York’s bench ranked 23rd in points per game during the NBA’s regular season, and having Rose for the entire year could have certainly bolstered that number quite a bit. While it is not impossible, the Knicks would likely want to keep Rose, given how great of a presence he can be off their bench and his relationship with Thibodeau.

If the Knicks were to entertain a trade for Rose, this offer from the Bucks is not something they would take too seriously, in all likelihood. George Hill just had an abysmal season and would be a significant downgrade compared to Rose at the backup point guard position, meaning he would likely be of no interest to New York. Allen could potentially be more compelling, given what he brings to the table offensively. The Knicks ranked 13th in 3-point percentage this season as they hit 35.7 percent of their shots from three, and someone like Allen could help bump that up a few ticks. The guard shot a career-high 40.9 percent from deep on 5.9 attempts per game this past season, and reputable sharpshooting like that could possibly make him a compelling target.

If the Knicks have their eye on a prospect ranging around 24th in the draft, swapping picks to take the Bucks’ first rounder this year could be enticing, but not at the expense of Rose, in all likelihood.