I'm sure there is some sort of Rose in the Garden title I am totally missing here. Click Here (espn.go.com)
Anyway, Phil Jackson some how took enough time away from whatever vacation he is on this time to swing a trade for former MVP Derrick Rose, Justin Holiday and a second round pick in 2017 for the measly price of Robin Lopez, Jose Calderon and his cement shoes, and Jerian Grant.
This is a very Knicks like move. Rose seems like a star on the decline with next to nothing left in the tank and another guy who will not be able to coexist with Carmelo Anthony while getting hurt and the Knicks then shutting Carmelo down 20 games early on the way to another 50+ loss season.
The only thing is, I think I like the trade, even if deep down I think he is pretty washed up. The Knicks back court was unwatchable last year, so even Derrick Rose on one leg is a huge upgrade. He is on the last year of his deal, Robin Lopez is a nice player but they overpaid for his services anyways, I could blow by Calderon and Grant might turn into a nice role player, maybe. Rose only has one year left, and maybe a change of scenery can get him back to being 80-90% of what he once was and that would make this is a steal ... and if it's a total disaster that goes up in flames, it should be at least entertaining to see.
Phil Jackson reportedly told Rose he was going "hard" after Durant. Not sure how that's going to work out. Actually I am sure about it, he's not going to NY.
I like the deal because the situation with Rose & Butler on the Bulls had gone completely toxic by early last season - it may hurt them in the long term, but they couldn't go thru another season like that.
Rose was beloved in Chicago but - outside a few defenders - the basketball fans he largely turned on him for his attitude and his diminished performance. The angst of his injuries really colored everything.