Derrick Rose (Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports)

Derrick Rose officially announced on Monday night that he will be joining the Cleveland Cavaliers. The signing comes after weeks of speculation during a rather chaotic offseason. On the heels of a possible exit from Kyrie Irving, the Cavs signed Rose to a one-year, $2.1 million contract. He will be joining forces with LeBron James in an attempt to unseat the Warriors as NBA champions. All while leaving behind the rebuilding New York Knicks, who will now need to find his replacement.

Rose, who’s career has been plagued by injuries, was able to put together a solid season with New York last year. Averaging 18 points per game, he garnished himself a few suitors by the end of his one year deal with the Knicks. Rose met with the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers, and Cavs in free-agency while also being rumored to join the Timberwolves. As the offseason went on it became increasingly clear that the Knicks were not intent on re-signing him. During their last press conference, team President Steve Mills stated that the organization would focus on developing their young players. Obviously, the veteran point guard was excluded from that list. Rose, who originally wanted a max contract, opted instead for a veteran’s minimum deal and a solid chance at getting a ring. He would additionally be filling the potential void that would be left by Kyrie Irving if he is traded out of Cleveland.

With Rose gone, the Knicks are still in need of a veteran floor general to help mentor rookie Frank Ntilikina. With Irving requesting a trade last week, the Knicks have reportedly made a pitch for him. The Cavs apparently want Kristaps Porzingis in return if any trade should happen. Obviously the Knicks aren’t willing to part ways with their young potential star yet, but either way they need to make a move. Trading Carmelo Anthony for Kyrie Irving is still an option the Knicks can push for, especially now that the Cavaliers have a replacement for him in Rose. However, Anthony holds all the cards and his preferred destination is the Houston Rockets. Whatever the Knicks do it’s apparent that they are in need of a new veteran point guard because Derrick Rose has officially left the building.

Thunder Interested in Acquiring Anthony?

The Oklahoma City Thunder have recently emerged as another potential landing spot for Carmelo Anthony. On Monday, reports came out suggesting that there was a mutual interest between the two parties. If a deal does get done, it would pair the 33-year-old Anthony with league MVP Russell Westbrook and recently acquired All-Star Paul George.

Of all the possible trade destinations, Oklahoma City seems to be the least likely. The Thunder simply do not have enough pieces to give the Knicks any reason to pursue the trade.  With the point guard position left open and the Knicks also in need of a new scorer with Anthony one foot out the door, chances of executing a trade with the Thunder just isn’t in the cards right now.  This would be a bad move for the Knicks.