5 Christmas gifts Knicks fans should have on their list to Santa

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 23: New York Knicks fans cheer before Game 1 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Atlanta Hawks on May 23, 2021 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Seth Wenig - Pool/Getty Images) /

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Derrick Rose #4 of the New York Knicks (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

Gift #4: Unload Veterans who deserve minutes elsewhere

Derrick Rose was carrying the Knicks through Game 2 of the Knicks vs Hawks playoff series 1.5 years ago, and now he’s completely out of the Knicks rotation. Coach Thibodeau has surprised with his flexibility this year and has been playing a lot of young guys over the veterans.

The Bulls’ unreal love for their hometown hero, mixed with the fact that they’ve been missing a floor general all year, poses the obvious trade question (subscription required). Rose and Evan Fournier have both been relegated to watching the games without getting real minutes. Rose recently got to play some garbage time in the last game vs the Bulls and got a huge standing ovation.

Rose should be traded for his sake and because he has positive value on his expiring contract, so the Knicks could get something back for him, most likely a second-round pick or two, or potentially an opportunity to get Evan Fournier off the books by packaging him into the deal.

Fournier has had a rough year, which led to his benching. However, he could have a good chance at taking on a role with another team. Recent rumored trade proposals indicate the Knicks could deal Fournier while throwing in Reddish as a sweetener for expiring contracts, giving the Knicks some cap relief for a guy they don’t use.

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