Knicks Willing to Trade Derrick Rose; Could This Answer Mavs’ Backup PG Issues?

The Dallas Mavericks could use another impactful guard to pair with Luka Doncic and Spencer Dinwiddie. The New York Knicks are reportedly willing to trade Derrick Rose, who would help the Mavs tremendously.

With former Dallas Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson leading the charge for the New York Knicks’ backcourt, there could be some opportunities for the Dallas front office to address the team’s need for a third ball-handler.

According to a report from The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Knicks have “shown a willingness” to trade Derrick Rose and Immanuel Quickley in order to clear their point-guard logjam.

With Brunson (33.5) and R.J. Barrett (34.9) each averaging significant minutes, there isn't much room for other guard options. Immanuel Quickley (21.2) and Evan Fournier (20.7) each are averaging over 20 minutes, too. Rose used to fill a role with a similar amount of playing time but has faced a reduced workload.

The Knicks haven't utilized Rose much this season with how many young backcourt options they have in their bench behind Jalen Brunson. Rose has appeared in 11 games and is averaging just 12.7 minutes — nearly half his average of 24.5 minutes from a season ago. 

“I’m in the unknown, trying to stay focused, give my all every day, talking to the guys, being vocal like I said earlier on in the year,” Rose said on Thursday. “Trying to communicate to them what I see on the floor, but yeah, this is new — foreign — for me.”

Rose has struggled to make much of an impact in his reduced role. He's averaging 6.0 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.0 assists while shooting 38.2 percent from the floor and 35.5 percent from 3-point range. 

“I think the role that he’s in, it’ll work itself out,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said. “Some games it’ll be more, some games it’ll maybe less.”

When looking beyond the surface, Rose has struggled to convert on catch-and-shoot jump shots or finish at the rim so far this season. However, he's been highly efficient on pull-up jumpers. Again, the sample sizes are very small overall, but on a team that lacks floor spacing, his skill-set isn't maximized. 

“Just got to stay ready, find a way to stay ready,” Rose said. “It’s like everything, forcing me to evolve into who knows, what knows? But I always take it as a challenge where I’ve just got to find a way to stay ready.”

The Mavs might not want to give up what would be required to land Quickley, but Rose could be more attainable. Here is a trade proposal we could see as being adequate:

Mavs receive: Derrick Rose

Knicks receive: Reggie Bullock, Frank Ntilikina

The idea behind such a trade would be for Rose to fill the role of being a third guard behind Luka Doncic and Spencer Dinwiddie that can attack off the dribble and generally make plays. He has found success later in his career in a sixth man role, even being named a finalist for 6th Man of the Year in 2021.

Rose, 34, is signed for $14.5 million this season but does have a team option worth $15.6 million for 2023-24. The Mavs could decide to exercise that option, or simply decline it and clear all of that spending room. Another option could be to negotiate a new contract for a lower annual cost.

Bullock has been in a career-low funk to start this season, but he played well for the Knicks in his last stint, so New York would likely welcome him back with open arms. The Knicks’ fan base is fond of former guard Ntilikina as well.

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