The New York Knicks have been one of the surprises in the Eastern Conference this season. Led by a confident young core, the Knicks are candidates to make the playoffs.
In order to keep exceeding expectations, New York decided to bring a veteran to help develop and lead the young Knicks team.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowksi reported Derrick Rose has been traded to the New York Knicks in exchange for Dennis Smith Jr. and a 2021 second-round draft pick via the Charlotte Hornets to Detroit.
Detroit has agreed to trade guard Derrick Rose to New York for Dennis Smith Jr., and a 2021 second-round pick (via Charlotte), sources tell ESPN. Rose reunites with Tom Thibodeau, who coached him in Chicago and Minnesota.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 7, 2021
Prior to the deal being completed, SNY's Ian Begley confirmed the Detroit Pistons were trying to also acquire Kevin Knox but the Knicks showed no interest on making that deal.
Rose, who had been with the Pistons since 2019, has played 15 games this season and averaged 14.2 points per contest along with 1.9 rebounds and 4.2 assists.
The former NBA MVP returns to the Madison Square Garden, place where he spent the 2016 / 17 season alongside Kristaps Porzingis and Carmelo Anthony.