Derrick Rose has become one of the potential targets for many teams as the trade deadline looms.
The New York Knicks remain as possible sellers in the trade market, with star Carmelo Anthony at the center of speculations. But there is another Knicks player who could be dealt before the deadline. According to Ian Begley of ESPN, Rose is a potential trade targets for multiple teams, adding that the Minnesota Timberwolves are among the rivals looking to add the All-Star point guard.
"The Timberwolves, sources say, are among several teams to reach out to the Knicks asking about potential trades for Rose," Begley wrote.
Rose, an upcoming free agent this summer, has been struggling distributing the ball and playing defense for New York. But the 28-year-old point guard, who is averaging 17.7 points and 4.5 assists a game this season, would still be a valuable addition to a team like the Timberwolves, who have been looking to add veteran help.
It is unclear whether the Knicks would truly consider trading Rose to Minnesota, But Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical reported that the Knicks have been "really aggressive trying to move Rose for almost anything." One of the most likely trade scenario, according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, is the Knicks swapping Rose for Ricky Rubio as part of clearing space for Kris Dunn going forward.
"It's not because the Timberwolves see Derrick Rose as their point guard of the future. It's because they're clearing space for Kris Dunn going forward. Tom Thibodeau loves Kris Dunn," Windhorst said.
While Rose has close connections to Thibs, it makes little sense for the Timberwolves to acquire a potential one-year rental. Meanwhile, Rubio could be the perfect point guard to complement the Knicks' lineup and Jeff Hornacek's offensive schemes.
There is a strong chance Rose could be moved at the deadline, but it remains to be seen whether the Timberwolves would bite at the opportunity to acquire him.
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