The New York Knicks were expected to make a splash in free agency. The process of turning heads began before July 1, however, as team president Phil Jackson orchestrated a trade for 2011 NBA MVP Derrick Rose.
It was a polarizing move, but Jackson’s explanation has provided invaluable insight into his thought process at the time in question.
Jackson sent Jose Calderon, Jerian Grant, and Robin Lopez to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Rose, Justin Holiday, and a 2017 second-round draft pick. The results are still being evaluated, but there’s certainly reason for intrigue.
According to Jackie MacMullan of ESPN’s TrueHoop Network, Jackson’s decision to trade for Rose was influenced by the money Mike Conley was destined to make.