Knicks Trade Rumors: Five Reasons To Pursue Goran Dragic

5. Derrick Rose’s New Contract

The New York Knicks are approaching a period of free agency that will alter the trajectory of the organization. Both Derrick Rose and Brandon Jennings will be free agents, and both could command significant salaries.

According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, Rose is expected to pursue a max contract worth roughly $150 million during the summer of 2017.

"And then there is the potential price tag. Some close to Rose have told friends he will seek a max contract this summer. For Rose, that pact would be for five years and nearly $150 million."

That makes Dragic’s contract all the more valuable to the Knicks’ long-term potential.

Including 2016-17, Dragic has four years and $70,219,250 remaining on his contract. He’s due to make $17,000,450 in 2017-18, $18,109,175 in 2018-19, and has a player option worth $19,217,900.

If the Knicks were to sign Rose to a five-year contract worth the projected $150 million, he’d be making an average of roughly $30 million per season.

Not only is Dragic due less money, but he has three seasons remaining on his contract as opposed to the five Rose would command. That’s a troubling reality when one considers the fact Rose has battled severe injuries and is now in line for at least four guaranteed seasons at $30 million each.

Thus, the question beckons: should the Knicks flip starting point guard Derrick Rose for a player who can better aid the development of a long-term contender.

The deal would provide the Knicks with an affordable short and long-term answer at point guard. Trading for Dragic makes sense from a financial perspective.