NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 23: Derrick Rose #4 of the New York Knicks warms up before the first half at Madison Square Garden against the Chicago Bulls on December 23, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
Derrick Rose opens up about current Knicks role, chance of buyout
The New York Knicks didn’t offload a couple of veterans ahead of the trade deadline, but instead, made one move that involved sending Cam Reddish to Portland for Josh Hart. Players like Derrick Rose and Evan Fournier remained on the roster past 3 p.m. on Thursday.
Now that the deadline has come and gone, the attention has shifted to the buyout market. Rose has been listed as a buyout candidate and he could go on to join a contender in the hopes of winning his first ring, but the 34-year-old seems to be content with his current role in New York.
After the Knicks’ loss to the Sixers on Friday, Rose spoke to reporters about a possible buyout and how he feels about his role. New York Post’s Zach Braziller wrote that Rose “hasn’t even thought about looking to go elsewhere on a buyout.”
“It’s still the same thing. I’m still locked in with the team, talking to the guys, mentoring,” he said after the Knicks’ 119-108 loss to the 76ers at Wells Fargo Center.
Veteran guard Derrick Rose reportedly satisfied with his current Knicks role
Before the deadline last week, Tom Thibodeau said “we love our team” and “we have a really good roster that we like.” Many fans were expecting New York to make more moves than it did, but in the end, most were relieved to know that the Knicks didn’t trade for Zach LaVine.
Although Derrick Rose hasn’t played since Dec. 31, New York wasn’t going to trade him just to trade him. Marc Stein reported (subscription required) that the Knicks wanted to “do right” by Rose if they were to move him. He’s been linked to teams like the Bucks and Mavericks, two teams that could make deep playoff runs.
When Rose was asked after the deadline if he’s happy with his role, he said, “If I was mad or something, I wouldn’t be able to hide it.” There you have it.
As New York continues to head toward what will hopefully result in a playoff berth, expect Derrick Rose to be along for the long haul. He played a key role for the Knicks when they made it to the postseason in 2021, and although his role looks a lot different now than it did then, that doesn’t seem to be something that bothers him.
