Derrick Rose
Nov 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) reacts after making a shot against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center. The Knicks won 117-104. USA TODAY Sports / David Banks

Derrick Rose, the New York Knicks point guard, has drawn interested from multiple teams on a potential deal ahead of the Feb. 23 NBA Trade Deadline, per reports. Rose, an unrestricted free agent in July, is averaging 17.7 points, 4.5 assists and 3.9 rebounds this season.

According to ESPN's Ian Begley, several teams are expected to call the Knicks regarding Rose closer to the deadline. "Multiple teams view Rose as a potential trade target, according to league sources. It would be surprising if the Knicks didn't get calls about Rose as the deadline approaches. He has struggled on defence and hasn't distributed the ball well, but he has shown that he's again one of the best lane penetrators in the NBA," Begley noted in his report Thursday.

Seeing as the former MVP would be a free agent over the summer, it wouldn't be a risk for a playoff-bound team to trade for Rose's expiring contract worth US$21.323 million (AU$27.695 million). Also, the team trading for Rose would win his Bird Rights and have the ability to offer him a five-year deal in July.

Derrick Rose trade: Multiple teams interested

Rose isn't an MVP-calibre player anymore. However, the veteran point guard has shed off his injury-prone reputation by appearing in more than 80 percent of the games for Chicago and New York over the last few seasons. Between the 2011-12 and 2014-15 seasons, Rose played a grand total 100 combined regular season games due to recurring knee, ankle and foot injuries.

Contrary to earlier reports, there's very little likelihood of the Knicks and Rose coming to terms on a contract extension over the summer. With the Knicks planning to pursue free agent point guards Chris Paul, Jeff Teague, Kyle Lowry and George Hill, they could be better served dealing Rose ahead of the deadline.

On Wednesday, Rose conceded that he would welcome a potential trade. "I like being here (in New York) but (you) never know what could happen. My job is to come in and play as hard as I can." Besides Rose, the Knicks are also trying to move superstar Carmelo Anthony, who would need to waive his no-trade. At this stage, it's just conjuncture but one shouldn't be surprised if Knicks manage to trade both Rose and Anthony ahead of next week's deadline.

Rose, 28, is and an above-average point guard in the NBA. Would the Knicks manage to secure sizeable assets by pulling off a Derrick Rose trade? Is there a team out there that would part with a first-round draft pick for the former MVP? The Knicks are looking to blow up their team and hand the keys to Kristaps Porzingis. Stay tuned for the latest news and chatter surrounding the NBA Trade Deadline.

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