DERRICK Rose’s trade from the Chicago Bulls to the New York Knicks on Wednesday (Thursday, Manila time) sent shockwaves around the NBA.
With the former 2008 No.1 pick and 2011 MVP moving from his hometown team to the Big Apple, it signaled the end of the Rose era in Chicago, more known for its disappointing finish despite its fantastic start.
The blockbuster deal elicited a mix of emotions from fans, players, and other NBA personalities online. The Bulls posted a message of thanks to the former face of the franchise on its Twitter account.
Thank You, Derrick. pic.twitter.com/ZzMNVg4wuv
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) June 22, 2016
The Knicks, meanwhile, were ecstatic, starting with new coach Jeff Hornacek, as he welcomed Rose’s entry to the team with open arms, according to the statement released through Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated.
Knicks release on Derrick Rose trade. pic.twitter.com/rumAWLOkeP
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpearsESPN) June 22, 2016
Other NBA players had mixed reactions as well. Orlando Magic guard CJ Watson, who played with Rose from 2010 to 2012 in Chicago, was one of the first ones to react on Twitter, saying he liked the new Big 3 that the Knicks are forming with Rose, Carmelo Anthony, and Kristaps Porzingis.
Wonder if Barkley thinks the Knicks will make the playoffs now lol drose and melo and kp nice foundation
— C.J. Watson (@Quietstorm_32) June 22, 2016
Portland star Damian Lillard, Rose's fellow adidas endorser who recently came to Manila for his #DameTime Asian tour, was in shock.
The Bulls traded D.Rose!?wooow
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) June 22, 2016
But the most noteworthy reaction came from Bulls All-Star guard Jimmy Butler. It’s no secret that both Rose and Butler struggled to make it work in the five seasons they played together in Chicago. Butler’s rise to stardom coincided with the string of injuries that sidelined Rose, and when they were on the court, they didn’t seem to be a good fit as neither seemed willing to defer to the other.
But all the tension and issues surrounding their on-court relationship were put to rest by Butler, with a touching post on his Instagram account, paying tribute to Rose whom he called his brother and mentor.
Butler seems to be the franchise player for the Bulls at the moment, although he’s had some issues last season in playing for Chicago coach Fred Hoiberg. It also remains to be seen if Butler remains with the Bulls, as trade rumors keep circulating around him like a possible reunion with former coach Tom Thibodeau in Minnesota.
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