Tom Thibodeau favorite Derrick Rose is now available.
According to The Athletic, the rebuilding Pistons and Rose agreed to look into finding a new spot and are in talks with the Knicks for the guard, who sat out the last three games for personal reasons.
The Post reported on Jan. 26 the Knicks are monitoring Rose’s situation with Thibodeau making the push to management. Thibodeau coached Rose in Chicago and Minnesota. According to a source, the Knicks would be a preferred destination for Rose because of Thibodeau and his enjoying his first stint at the Garden in 2016-17.
The new Athletic report stated the Knicks have talked to the Pistons about a potential trade, and that several teams are interested.
The Knicks have had decent point-guard play from Elfrid Payton as starter, backed up by rookie Immanuel Quickley, who has become a fan favorite.
Knicks fans have already seen Rose in New York and probably wouldn’t care for a maneuver that could hurt Quickley’s minutes.
A deal for the 32-year-old Rose probably wouldn’t cost too much in assets. The Knicks have three lottery picks out of the rotation who are available — Kevin Knox, Frank Ntilikina and Dennis Smith Jr. — according to sources. Knox, however, probably wouldn’t be dealt for Rose.
The Knicks also have the 2021 first-round pick they got from the Mavericks in the Kristaps Porzingis trade, but probably would be hesitant to deal that one because it could turn into a lottery pick.
The Knicks can inherit Rose’s $7.2 million salary without giving up a player because they are $18 million under the salary cap.
In July, it was reported the Knicks could have interest in Rose if the Pistons ever made him available.
“Every now and then, you find someone who matches your personality,’’ Rose’s agent, B.J. Armstrong, told The Post in July. “Tom and Derrick just hit it off. They’re peas in a pod. They’re basketball junkies. They love the game. They both love to compete. They had a unique understanding amongst themselves.’’
The Pistons are making their rookie lottery pick, Killian Hayes, a top priority. Thibodeau wants to remain in the playoff race. The Knicks are in sixth place in the Eastern Conference after 24 games, the one-third mark of the 72-game season.
Saturday became the day free agents signed in November can be traded. The Knicks signed Austin Rivers, Nerlens Noel and Alec Burks in the offseason.