These 2 Derrick Rose trades could solve the Knicks’ biggest problems
With Derrick Rose being pulled out of the rotation in recent games, it seems more likely than ever that a trade is in the near future for the 34 year old. This is sad to see, as Rose went from being one of the best players on the Knicks’ 2020 playoffs squad to not even cracking the rotation of a mediocre team in 2022.
It’s unclear what Rose’s value is, however, the Knicks should be able to get some sort of decent return from a contending team looking to add depth to their roster.
Some of the biggest issues with the Knicks this season has been their defense and 3-point shooting. While Rose has been solid from behind the arc this season, his defense is rather lacking, and the Knicks should look to improve upon this with any possible trade.
Here are two Derrick Rose trades that will help the Knicks’ defense and 3-point shooting
Trade #1: Derrick Rose for an elite defender and first-round pick
This trade was proposed by Yahoo! Sports David Vertsberger, and is something I glossed over in a previous article. While Rose may be the better player in this deal, the player the Knicks get back is a defensive specialist, something the team needs.
While Patrick Beverley has been playing some absolutely putrid offense this season, he’s still a very good defender and could provide value off the bench. Additionally, while Vertsberger did not specify what year the pick was (or the protection), it still could provide value in another potential trade.
Through 20 games, Beverley is averaging 4.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game while shooting a disgusting 30.3% from the field and 25.4% from three. But Beverley has historically been a league average or better 3-point shooter, which makes it quite odd that he all of a sudden forgot how to shoot from behind the arc. Hopefully a new team and new situation would help Beverley regain the little offense he always had.
The funny thing about this trade is that Beverley may not even be the best part about this deal. Yes, the hypothetical pick the Knicks would be getting in return is protected, but it could provide value if the front office decides to swing yet another trade.
At the end of the day, Rose is not in the rotation and the Knicks need to get any value they can out of him. Beverley is nowhere near the best player they could get for Rose, but it would be nice to see Rose go to a contending team.
Trade #2 Derrick Rose and a youngster for Buddy Hield
With the Knicks currently on a hot streak, winning six in a row, we could see the front office make moves to improve the roster. In comparison to the Pacers, Indiana has been a lot better than anyone expected. However, they likely didn’t expect this much success and could very easily look to break their roster down in order to tank for some of the many elite prospects in the 2023 NBA Draft.
If this is the case, the Knicks should pursue some of the veterans on the Pacers roster, especially Buddy Hield, who has been arguably a top-three shooter in the NBA for many seasons now.
This trade is only possible if the Pacers decide to tear it all down, but considering the fact that they’re currently the seventh seed and will more than likely be overtaken by teams like Miami, Toronto, and Atlanta once they all hit their stride, there’s a good chance the Pacers pass on mediocrity.
While Rose may not see a ton of playing time on the Pacers, I could see Indiana having a lot of interest in Cam Reddish because outside of Chris Duarte, the team doesn’t have many reliable wings.
Reddish certainly struggles with consistency, but the two-way power he brings to the floor is very valuable. Considering Tom Thibodeau pulled Reddish out of the rotation, he’s in a similar boat as Rose, meaning the front office must capitalize on moving him ASAP.
The Knicks have been one of the worst 3-point shooting teams in the league all season and must look to improve. Who better to add than Hield, who is shooting 38.4% from three on 9.3 attempts per game.
A player as talented as Hield may require more from any team looking to trade for him, however, I feel as if this is a good starting ground in a potential trade between these two teams.
