Derrick Rose is reportedly headed back to the Big Apple.
According to a report from ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the New York Knicks have acquired Rose from the Detroit Pistons in exchange for 2017 No. 9 overall pick Dennis Smith Jr and a 2021 second-round pick.
Detroit has agreed to trade guard Derrick Rose to New York for Dennis Smith Jr., and a 2021 second-round pick (via Charlotte), sources tell ESPN. Rose reunites with Tom Thibodeau, who coached him in Chicago and Minnesota.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 7, 2021
The Athletic's Shams Charania earlier reported that Rose and the Pistons had mutually agreed that a trade would be in the best interest of both sides as Detroit is working to rebuild for the future through its youth. In 15 games this season, Rose has posted averages of 14.2 points and 4.2 rebounds in just under 23 minutes per contest.
This will be Rose's second stint in New York, where he appeared in 64 games during the 2016-17 NBA season. The trade also marks Rose's third stint under Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau, who coached Rose with the Chicago Bulls from 2010-15 and with the Minnesota Timberwolves to close the 2017-18 season and through the first half of the 2018-19 season.
As pointed out by StatMuse, Thibodeau has had Rose with each franchise that he's served as a head coach.
Find someone who loves you as much as Tom Thibodeau loves Derrick Rose.
— StatMuse (@statmuse) February 7, 2021
Thibs has had D-Rose on every team he has ever coached. pic.twitter.com/3vHYYtobx1
As for Smith, the trade marks a new beginning for a player that has struggled to find his way after an impressive rookie campaign. Since averaging 15.2 points and 5.2 assists in his first season, Smith's production has gradually decreased and he has appeared in just three games so far in the 2020-21 season.
Smith, 23, is one of the league's most explosive point guards and was recently assigned to the Westchester Knicks in the G League Bubble to aid in his development. A new start in Detroit places him alongside another member of his draft class in Josh Jackson, who has benefitted from a change in scenery so far this season.
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