| The Detroit News
Rod Beard on the Pistons trading Derrick Rose to the Knicks
The Pistons agreed to trade Derrick Rose to the Knicks for Dennis Smith Jr. and a 2021 second-round pick.
Rod Beard, The Detroit News
The Pistons’ roster overhaul is kicking into gear again.
This time, it’s Derrick Rose on the move.
The Pistons have agreed to a deal to send Rose to the New York Knicks in a reunion with former coach Tom Thibodeau, who coached Rose both in his MVP season with the Chicago Bulls and with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The deal was confirmed by a league source who wished to remain anonymous because the deal has not been made official.
In the deal, the Pistons will receive guard Dennis Smith Jr. and the Charlotte Hornets’ 2021 second-round pick.
It’s an opportunity for Rose to resurrect his career for a playoff team, as the Knicks are exceeding expectations in eighth place in the East, vying for a postseason spot. Their roster is young and will benefit from the veteran experience that Rose brings. His familiarity with Thibodeau’s system also will be an added perk.
Rose missed the Pistons’ last three games of their western road trip, stoking rumors that the Pistons were in trade talks.
Smith, 23, is in his fourth NBA season after he was drafted No. 9 overall in 2017 by the Dallas Mavericks. The NC State product averaged 15.2 points and 5.2 assists in 69 games (all starts) as a rookie, but has been limited to just three games this season.
He owns career averages of 12.4 points and 4.5 assists.
rod.beard@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @detnewsRodBeard