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NBA Rumors: Timberwolves discussing Derrick Rose trade with Knicks

By Brad Berreman

Feb 12, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) drives to the basket past San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 12, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) drives to the basket past San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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 If the Minnesota Timberwolves are looking to make a transition at point guard, that could lead them to a familiar face.

The New Orleans Pelicans’ trade for DeMarcus Cousins has changed the dynamic of the race for the eighth seed in the Western Conference playoffs, with other teams possibly feeling forced to make a similar move. The Minnesota Timberwolves are only a game behind the Pelicans, and 3.5 games behind the current No. 8 seed Denver Nuggets, so an argument to be a trade deadline buyer can be made.

According to Ian Begley of ESPN.com, the Timberwolves are among several teams that have reached out the New York Knicks regarding the availability of Derrick Rose. Since he played for Wolves’ head coach Tom Thibodeau with the Chicago Bulls and is presumably the kind of point guard “Thibs” wants, it’s an easy connection to make.

Exactly who Minnesota would send to the Knicks for Rose is not 100% clear, but Ricky Rubio is the obvious option to be dealt as Thibodeau views Kris Dunn as the Timberwolves’ point guard of the future. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst has added the possibility of a three-team deal, with Rose going to Minnesota, Rubio going the Detroit Pistons and Reggie Jackson going to the Knicks. That’s rooted in previous rumors of a Rubio for Jackson swap, but the Timberwolves don’t want Jackson.

Rose is averaging 17.7 points, 4.5 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game in 48 games this season, with some missed time due to an ankle issue and back spasms. But the knee issues that have plagued Rose for years have not been an issue so far this year.

Next: 5 NBA teams that should be selling at the trade deadline

A one-for-one swap of Rose for Rubio would work financially for both teams, but trades are rarely that simple. Rose is in the last year of his contract and Rubio has two more years left on his contract after this season, which may be a factor for both teams. But if Thibodeau wants to use his lead front office role to make a change in Minnesota, swapping Rubio for a familiar face like Rose can’t be ruled out.

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