Why the New York Knicks could say yes to this trade:
The fact of the matter for the New York Knicks is that the ceiling of the team, as currently constructed, is around 44-38 with a first-round playoff exit. That is similar to what the Knicks did two seasons ago and is much better than they did last season.
In reality, the Knicks should be in the market of blowing it up, getting the contracts off the books and getting assets in return. That is why they are a logical destination for a Russell Westbrook salary dump but neither the Lakers nor Knicks seem interested in that, which is silly.
Derrick Rose does not make the Knicks a contender and instead of keeping someone who could potentially get worse as time goes on and has not been the healthiest, the Knicks are better off obtaining someone with future value.
The Lakers are in a position to contend and what that immediate talent. The Knicks should be in a position to acquire future talent to help build around R.J. Barrett. While THT is not the most valuable young player, Rose also does not have much value because of the injury concerns.
If the Knicks are not going to do the smartest thing and start over fresh around Barrett, they should at least trade some of the older players that they do have for younger players.
Getting THT and a second-round pick for Rose is probably the ceiling for Rose’s trade value, making this a win-win for both sides.