Derrick Rose (Photo : Getty Images)
Derrick Rose could be among the stars available in the trade market, with the Knicks point guard reportedly an unhappy camper in New York.
The New York Knicks have been the topic of trade talks in the past few days, with rumors center at Carmelo Anthony, who is reportedly open to have a "conversation" with team president Phil Jackson regarding his immediate future with the team. But Anthony may not be the only disgruntled star looking to bolt out of New York.
Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical reported that Rose's short-term role with the Knicks could be in peril after the All-Star playmaker went AWOL and failed to inform Knicks officials of his decision to do so.
"In the aftermath of going AWOL at The Garden, Knicks officials need to further determine Rose's passion to return to the team and continue playing. Rose has put into peril his short-term role - with the possibility of a suspension, sources said - and the longer-term chances to land a lucrative contract extension with the Knicks in July, league sources told The Vertical," Wojnarowski wrote.
While there has been no confirmation from the Knicks that Rose is on the trading block, Frank Isola of the New York Daily News suggested that the 28-year-old point guard could possibly be asking for a buyout midway through the regular season to join a contender.
"One conceivable scenario is that Rose is trying to force a buyout and join a contender with 44 games left on his contract," Isola wrote.
Derrick Rose has been unhappy for a few weeks. Maybe he's looking for a trade or a straight out release? Just a thought. https://t.co/9c1MrotV9N
— Frank Isola (@FisolaNYDN) January 10, 2017
Letting go of Rose, whom the Knicks acquired via trade from the Chicago Bulls this past summer, isn't entirely far-fetched. The Knicks are steadily veering away from the franchise's first playoff appearance in four years, which could open up possibilities of trading or buying out the remaining amount of Rose's five-year $94.3 million contract.
Rose is also set to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2017, which could make him a likely trade chip for New York. But being a potential one-year rental could definitely hurt his trade value in the market.
Nevertheless, Rose, who is averaging 17.5 points and 4.4 assists per game this season, would still be a tremendous boost for any contenders looking to make a serious run in the playoffs. The Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly still not done tinkering their lineup, but their only shot of landing Rose is hoping the Knicks and Rose would agree for a contract buyout.
The Sacramento Kings could also be a potential destination for Rose whether it be thru the buyout market or trade possibilities. The Kings have long been looking for a point guard to play alongside DeMarcus Cousins, and with the team on course to end their postseason drought, Rose could be a viable option for Sacramento.
It is still unclear whether the Knicks will consider moving Rose, but the Knicks should capitalize on moving him while he still has a high value. Should Rose becomes available whichever way the team makes him, expect a handful of contenders to field offers.
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