Derrick Rose could find his way back to the open arms of his former head coach Tom Thibodeau this summer. The former NBA MVP will be an unrestricted free-agent for the first time in his career, and the Minnesota Timberwolves appear to be a prime destination for him.
Rose, who averaged 18.0 points, 4.4 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game with the New York Knicks last season, enters the free-agency market with so many questions to be answered. Although he put up solid numbers in one-year tenure in the Big Apple, his inability to stay healthy remains a big concern for potential suitor.
In fact, he’s coming off another surgery on his knee, though his camp stressed that it was merely a minor procedure.
D-Rose in Twin City
It would be interesting how many teams will express interest in D-Rose, given his knee issues. But if there’s one executive that still has faith in the former high-flying guard, then that would be Thibodeau, who coached Rose for five seasons in Chicago, including his MVP year during the 2010/11 season.
There’s still a level of intrigue Thibodeau has on Rose despite all the injuries and knee rehabs he went through. After all, Rose hasn’t yet reached his prime at 28-years old. Last February, Thibs even attempted to bring Rose on board by engaging in a trade with the Knicks.
Marc Stein of ESPN thought the deal was done, until the T-Wolves balked after Phil Jackson sought additional assets alongside Ricky Rubio.
This summer, Thibs is once again expected to make a run at Rose. With point guard of the future prospect Kris Dunn still pretty much a baby, Rose can assume the starting role and serve as a mentor for the young T-Wolves.
Moreover, Rose could come cheap for Minnesota as many NBA insiders believe he can be had on a one-year deal worth around $10MM to 12MM.
Ricky’s Future
If the Timberwolves eventually pursue Rose, expect Thibodeau to trade incumbent starting guard Ricky Rubio. Eddie Sefko of the Dallas Morning News believes the Dallas Maverick might find Rubio an interesting trade target because he can fill in their need for a playmaker.
Sefko suggests that Dallas should trade their first-round pick and another player (perhaps Dwight Powell) to T-Wolves for Rubio.
The Spanish point guard is the highest earning player on the T-Wolves roster right now at $14MM per season. However, with Zach Lavine and Andrew Wiggins eligible for contract extension this summer, letting him go might be a wise financial move.
