The New York Knicks now have their own big three after striking a blockbuster deal with the Chicago Bulls. The Knicks acquired Derrick Rose, who will now team up with superstar Carmelo Anthony and promising big man Kristaps Porzingis to form the Knicks' big three.
New York acquired Rose along with Justin Holiday and 2017 second-round pick in exchange for Robin Lopez, Jerian Grant and Jose Calderon, the Knicks announced on their official website. Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek believes their backcourt has improved despite giving up important assets in the deal for Rose.
"Derrick is one of the top point guards in the NBA who is playoff-battle-tested," Hornacek said. "He adds a whole new dynamic to our roster and immediately elevates our backcourt."
The Knicks, who finished in 13th place in the Eastern Conference standings last season, has been searching for a point guard this offseason. It remains unclear whether or not Hornacek will continue running the triangle offense, but the Knicks knew they needed to add a formidable point guard to make life easier for Anthony and Porzingis.
Rose, who was selected first overall in the 2008 NBA Draft, had a solid season for the Bulls, as he averaged 16.4 points to go along with 4.7 assists and 3.4 rebounds. It was his most productive season since the 2011-12 NBA season, which he failed to finish after sustaining a torn ACL in his left knee.
The former NBA Most Valuable Player returned during the 2013-14 NBA season but his comeback lasted for only 10 games after sustaining a torn meniscus in his right knee. He was also limited to 51 games during the 2014-15 season after suffering from torn meniscus in the right knee for the second time but was able to return in time for the 2015 Playoffs.
Moving Lopez will give more room for Porzingis to develop following his impressive rookie season. The 20-year-old forward averaged 14.3 points on top of 7.3 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game. The trio of Rose, Anthony and Porzingis will likely be enough to make the Knicks a contender in the Eastern Conference, USA Today noted.
Watch some of Rose's highlight plays during the 2015-16 NBA season below.