| Detroit Free Press
The Derrick Rose era with the Detroit Pistons is over.
The Pistons have agreed to trade the 32-year-old point guard to the New York Knicks, The Athletic reported Sunday.
In return, the Pistons are getting point guard Dennis Smith Jr., the ninth pick of the 2017 draft, and the Knicks’ are sending Charlotte’s 2021 second-round pick to the Pistons, according to ESPN.
The deal, which was expected after trade talks became public Saturday evening, reunites Rose with Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau, who coached Rose in 2010-15 in Chicago and in Minnesota for parts of two seasons in 2018-19.
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In 15 games this season, Rose is averaging 14.2 points and 4.2 assists in 22.8 minutes. His shooting percentage has dipped to 42.9% from 49% a year ago. He embraced his role as a veteran mentor for a roster that features five rookies, and numerous other young players.
According to a source, the Pistons — a league-worst 5-18 after Saturday night’s epic double-overtime loss at the Los Angeles Lakers — want to give their young players more time on the court.
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Rose, in his 13th NBA season and on an expiring contract, joins the Knicks, who are a surprisingly competitive 11-14 and eighth in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
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Rose signed a two-year, $15 million contract in 2019 free agency with the Pistons. He averaged 18.1 points and 5.6 assists last season playing in 50 of 66 games, establishing himself as a fan favorite. He ranked eighth among East guards in Thursday’s first release of fan voting for the NBA All-Star Game.
Smith was a lottery pick after just his freshman season at North Carolina State. The 6-foot-2 point guard averaged 15.2 points and 5.2 assists on 39.5% shooting as a rookie with the Dallas Mavericks, but was traded to the Knicks once it was apparent that Dallas was going with Luka Doncic as its primary ballhandler.
In three seasons in New York, Smith is averaging 8.7 points and 3.7 assists on 37.9% shooting and 28.4% 3-point shooting. He has played in just three games this season.
This story will be updated.
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