The Detroit Pistons are nearing an agreement on a deal to send Derrick Rose to the New York Knicks for Dennis Smith Jr. and draft compensation, according to Shams Charania.
Rose and the Pistons agreed that a trade is best for both sides, Charania adds.
The Knicks are also sending a 2021 second round pick to the Pistons.
This trade will reunite Rose with head coach Tom Thibodeau.
Rose had some of the best years of his NBA career under Thibodeau with the Chicago Bulls, including his MVP season in 2010-2011, the youngest MVP in league history (22).
Thibodeau has also had Rose on every team he’s ever coached which includes the Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves and now Knicks.
In 15 games this season for the Pistons, the 32-year-old is averaging 14.2 points, 1.9 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.2 steals per game.
Smith on the other hand, will get a fresh start with the Pistons.
After being out of the Knicks’ rotation, the 23-year-old recently requested to play in the G League bubble with the team’s affiliate, the Westchester Knicks.
Smith could eventually get playing time with the Pistons, as Delon Wright is the main point guard with Rose now gone and Killian Hayes out with a hip injury.
