As the NBA Training Camp is starting a couple of weeks from now, trade rumors involving Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook going to the New York Knicks in exchange for fellow point guard Derrick Rose and sophomore power forward Kristaps Porzingis became the biggest news today. Although there's no confirmation yet, offseason reports like this one will swirl as the 2016-2017 NBA regular season begins almost a month from now.
The Inquisitr earlier report that the Knicks and the Thunder seem to be discussing the three-player deal involving the three high-profile players. However, the report also said that with Russell Westbrook having recently signed a new $85-million three-year contract with the Thunder, he cannot be traded until December 15.
As for Derrick Rose, he was recently traded by the Chicago Bulls this offseason to the Knicks in exchange for center Robin Lopez, Jose Calderon, and Jerian Grant. Rose, a former NBA Most Valuable Player, struggled a lot since his MVP season due to injuries. Though he averages 16.4 ppg, 4.7 apg, and 3.4 rpg and played 66 games last season, his hometown team still traded him.
As for Porzingis, perhaps the biggest rookie revelation last season, he averages 14.3 ppg, 7.3 rpg, and 1.9 bpg in 72 games he played. The Knicks got many criticisms when they picked him up during 2015-2016 Rookie Draft but still the 21-year-old player surprised and shocks basketball fans when he puts up impressive numbers even as a rookie.
But according to Parent Herald, one set back that this trade will not push through is that Rose was hit with injuries for several times throughout his career. And although Porzingis is impressive last season it is still uncertain if he will improve in the following years.
As for the Oklahoma City Thunder, they need the services of Westbrook as the go-to-guy of their franchise now that Kevin Durant left them last summer to sign for the Golden State Warriors.
