Derrick Rose (Photo : Getty Images)
The New York Knicks could consider trading Derrick Rose in the near future, with the Sacramento Kings rumored as the potential destination for the All-Star point guard.
Rose's career as a Knick isn't having a good start, with the former MVP expected to spend his foreseeable future in Los Angeles to deal with his rape case trial. But barring any injuries and legal troubles, Rose could help turn the Knicks into strong contenders this season.
However, Rose's civil rape case is not the only possible reason the Knicks may trade him. Andrew Lynch of Fox Sports believes Brandon Jennings, whom the Knicks also signed this summer, serves as a better option at the point guard spot than what Rose has to offer.
"New York has a much better starting point guard option in Brandon Jennings; in fact, if Jennings starts, this team could be one of the most fun and entertaining squads in the Eastern Conference, even a playoff contender," Lynch wrote.
"But with Rose starting, the Knicks will end up becoming the same old Big Apple embarrassment we've known in years past, wasting another year of Kristaps Porzingis' career."
It is unclear whether the Knicks are committed to keeping Rose long-term or at least let him play out his contract before he hits free agency next summer. But Rose's history of injuries and any possible fallout from his civil trial could force the Knicks to let go of the 28-year-old point guard.
According to Lynch, the Sacramento Kings could be a potential destination for Rose.
Many see the Kings as a dysfunctional franchise that has a ticking bomb in Demarcus Cousins, who has consistently shown displeasure towards the Kings. But the Kings is Cousins' team and Sacramento has been attempting to keep it that way by surrounding him with coaches and players that could live up to his expectations. However, the Kings failed to bring in a talented point guard that could maximize Cousins' talents and serve the main facilitator for Dave Joerger's offensive schemes.
Trading for Rose could work, with the Kings having plenty of available trade chips in their fold. The Kings could trade Rudy Gay and Ben McLemore to the Knicks for Rose in a deal that works on ESPN's trade machine.
Would the Kings consider such deal? Probably not, especially a one-year rental. Likewise, the Knicks could find it difficult to find takers for Rose, who won't join the Knicks until his trial ends.
But if the Knicks could find teams willing to gamble on Rose just as they did when the team traded for him in the offseason, it is an opportunity New York should consider.
Video courtesy: YouTube/FreeDawkins
