ROSE TO GOTHAM FOR GRANT, IN A 5-PLAYER KNICKS-BULLS SWAP
The New York Knicks acquired point guard Derrick Rose, guard-forward Justin Holiday, and a 2nd-round draft pick in 2017 from the Chicago Bulls for center Robin Lopez, point guard Jerian Grant, and point guard Jose Calderon.
What does it give the New York Knicks
This is a bold but highly risky move by the Knicks. While Rose only has one year left on his massive contract, over the past few seasons he has been nowhere near his former superstar self. Injuries have taken a major toll, but clearly New York brass is hoping he might be able to turn back the clock a bit and help Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis make the playoffs. Additionally, this deal puts the team's rebuild into question; Lopez and Calderon weren't major building blocks, but Grant was supposed to be. Down the road this may be one to regret for the Knicks.
What does it give the Chicago Bulls
Grant isn't as talented as Rose, but he's significantly younger and has the potential to be an above-average NBA starter. Meanwhile Lopez gives Chicago options at center (especially if Joakim Noah too is moved and if Pau Gasol leaves via free agency), and Calderon can start for the Bulls while Grant gets up to speed. It's hard to love this trade for either team, but the Bulls roster from last season wasn't working.
Fantasy impact
At some point during the 2016-17 campaign Grant will probably take over as Chicago's new starting point guard, so he's one to watch. That said, it's tough to see anyone else involved in this deal getting much if any fantasy help as a result of it (although the exit of Lopez from the Knicks might mean a starting job at center for sleeper Kevin Seraphin). Moreover, both these rosters still clearly have a lot of overhauling to do this summer. Regardless, Lopez and Calderon are role players at this point; and it's not as though Rose will see more shots with the Knicks than he did with the Bulls.
