Knicks President Phil Jackson yesterday "pulled off his most intriguing deal yet" in acquiring former MVP G Derrick Rose from the Bulls in exchange for C Robin Lopez and Gs Jerian Grant and Jose Calderon, and the move is "an audacious one," according to Mike Vaccaro of the N.Y. POST. Despite his extensive injury history, if "you can set aside your memory of what Rose was, and embrace merely what he is ... then you have to believe the Knicks did well for themselves." In Rose, F Carmelo Anthony and F Kristaps Porzingis, the Knicks "now have a legitimate and intriguing Big Three." For the Knicks, the Rose acquisition "is a statement of who they are, and where they want to go" (N.Y. POST, 6/23). In N.Y., Frank Isola writes luckily Jackson "still has a few NBA friends in high places who he can deal with," and they "came to Phil’s rescue" yesterday. Jackson "didn’t throw away the future for Rose." But at the same time he "had to do something," as he "may not be here much longer" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 6/23). In N.Y., Matt Schneidman writes under the header, "Derrick Rose Is Bringing A Lot Of Baggage With Him To New York." Rose "will arrive on Broadway with a civil sexual assault lawsuit hanging over his head" (N.Y. POST, 6/23).
IN A N.Y. MINUTE: SNY’s Chris Carlin said, “This is a brilliant trade by Phil Jackson.” He added, “This is a no-lose situation. … All of a sudden the Knicks become a lot more attractive situation for potential free agents” (“Loud Mouths,” SNY, 6/22). SNY’s Sal Licata: “Usually we’ve seen the Knicks make deals like this, for aging superstars. Either they take on a bad contract, give up first round picks, but there is zero risk involved in this.” N.Y Daily News’ Pat Leonard said it will be interesting to see the "analysis of the Phil Jackson, Carmelo, (Owner James) Dolan dynamic coming out after this” (“Daily News Live,” SNY, 6/22). Fox Sports’ Colin Cowherd said of the Knicks, “I think it makes them more interesting, but I think that's what the Lakers and the Knicks have become. I don't trust their basketball operations. They’re doing things for their local regional TV deals. They are doing things for the headlines and talk radio” (Speak for Yourself,” FS1, 6/22). Reaction to the deal on Twitter was mixed. SI's The Cauldron: "Judging by media/fan reaction to Rose deal, Phil Jackson, Knicks are the Antichrist:" Complex magazine's Russ Bengtson wrote, "Who has healthier knees, derrick rose or phil jackson." Meanwhile, Fox Sports Radio's Jason Smith wrote: "This is Phil Jackson's greatest day running Knicks. Even better than drafting Porzingis because NO one liked that when it happened." The Big Lead's Jason McIntyre: "Phil Jackson just threw a Hail Mary pass ... and it was caught. I'm on board."
ON YOUR TIME: In DC, Tim Bontemps writes it is clear that the Knicks "have no intention of pursuing a more patient approach." The arrival of Rose shows the team "is more committed to winning on the timeline" of the 32-year-old Anthony instead. However, the deal "makes perfect sense" for the Bulls. Bulls F Jimmy Butler "will either be the face of the franchise or will depart as well -- perhaps as soon as" tonight's NBA draft (WASHINGTON POST, 6/23).
TRUST THE PROCESS? ESPN CHICAGO's Nick Friedell notes Bulls GM Gar Forman "can spin it however he likes, but Rose's deal is absolutely the first step in rebuilding this roster." The reality of Rose not being in a Bulls uniform anymore "wasn't a shocking turn of events." Privately, Bulls execs "have been ready to part ways with Rose for months." No matter which direction the Bulls go, they "took an important first step toward change." Whether the Bulls made the right decision in dealing Rose "remains to be seen, but the organization made the choice to move forward without him, and they aren't looking back" (ESPNCHICAGO.com, 6/23). When Forman called Rose to inform him of the deal, he said that he "got Rose's voicemail and instead talked to Rose's agent," former NBAer B.J. Armstrong. In Chicago, K.C. Johnson notes this "continued a trend of little communication between Rose and the Bulls since the season ended." Of the $41M left on Lopez' contract, Forman said that he "liked the 'cost certainty' in an age of a dramatically rising salary cap." Forman: "This wasn't a financial deal. This was a basketball deal" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 6/23).
END OF AN ERA: In Chicago, David Haugh in a front-page piece notes yesterday "marked the beginning of a new era for the Bulls," as the city that once rooted with such pride for Rose when he was MVP now includes many who cheered his abrupt exit." Chicago's "most polarizing athlete now moves east" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 6/23). Also in Chicago, Barry Rozner writes, "Unfortunately, Rose will be remembered in his hometown for failing to get back on the court when his teammates needed him and for the occasional odd statement that left his fans, teammates and organization wondering what he could possibly be thinking" (Chicago DAILY HERALD, 6/23).
