A shocking trade went down on Wednesday with the Bulls trading Derrick Rose to the New York Knicks. Chicago receives Jose Calderon, Jerian Grant and center Robin Lopez. Besides Rose, the Knicks get forward Justin Holiday and a 2017 second-round pick.
This trade is important for both franchises, for the Knicks they finally get a point guard, a position that has been a black hole for years. Plus, Rose, who isn’t a great three-point shooter, could mean the end of Phil Jackson’s preferred triangle offense under new head coach Jeff Hornacek.
For the Bulls, this trade means the end of the Derrick Rose era in Chicago and the beginning of the Jimmy Butler era. The emergence and maturation of Butler enabled them to trade D-Rose hand the keys to the franchise to the budding 26-year-old All-Star. Rose was Chicago’s cornerstone ever since the Bulls drafted the hometown kid in 2008. Rose won the Rookie of the Year in 2008-09 and the league MVP in 2010-11.
Then the injuries came, and they were catastrophic and often. In the 2012 NBA Playoffs, with the Bulls up by 12 over 76ers with 1:22 left to play Rose tore his ACL in his left knee. Rose missed the entire 2012-2013 season.
On November 22, 2013, Rose tore his right knee meniscus during a game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Rose missed the rest of the 2013-2014 season.
On February 24, 2015, it was announced that Rose had a medial meniscus tear of the right knee, and would require surgery. Rose missed 20 games. Rose played in 100 of a possible 312 games over the four seasons prior to his final season in Chicago.
During his time in Chicago, Rose mentored Butler, and did a fine job. Butler, who was drafted 30th overall in the 2011 NBA draft, became a two-time NBA All-Star and was selected three times for the NBA All-Defensive Team. Butler paid tribute to D-Rose on Instagram with this post.
“My point guard, my brother: you taught me so much since I came into this league as a 21 year old kid from Marquette. For me, coming to Chicago to play and learn from you, an MVP, was eye-opening. You helped shape me into the player I am today. Helped teach me the work ethic needed to excel in this league. You are a leader, thru and thru. Always a supportive teammate and friend. I’ll always be thankful for the opportunity I had to play alongside you each night and I know you’re going to continue to be the great player and leader you were in Chicago for years to come.”
And now the Jimmy Butler era in Chicago begins.