New York Knicks: Derrick Rose still hopes to re-sign after trade deadline talks
Feb 23, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) during the first quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Derrick Rose’s desire to remain with the New York Knicks in the long term hasn’t wavered after almost being traded to Minnesota.

Derrick Rose holds no hard feelings about almost being traded to Minnesota during the trade deadline. The former MVP made headlines when he was almost reunited with his old coach Tom Thibodeau.

Rose told Marc Berman of The New York Post that, despite the desire to get rid of him, Rose still hopes return to the New York Knicks next season.

“I hope so — they didn’t trade me,’’ Rose said. “That’s a good sign. My job is to come in and get better every day. You have to ask Steve about that. If you ask me, I’ll probably sign me for a couple of more years.”

Rose’s agent, former Chicago Bull B. J. Armstrong, reiterated his client’s desire to remain in New York during an interview on Sirius XM NBA radio on Saturday.

Via Ian Begley of ESPN New York:

“Like I’ve said all along, and like he’s said all along, you know what, he wants to be in New York. He feels comfortable there,” Armstrong said. “But we understand the business. … When no one is calling for you [prior to the trade deadline] is when you’re in trouble.”

Per Berman, Rose met with general manager Steve Mills after practice on Friday and the point guard spoke about his relationship between the two.

“Me and Steve have a great relationship – very open and honest. We are on the same page in trying to get the team to be consistent and get better every day.”

The 28-year-old knows that the trade deadline is all about business. After eight seasons in the league, Rose didn’t have any hard feelings towards Mills in their meeting.

“I didn’t talk about any of that,” Rose said. “I’m professional about the situation. No grudges. No hard feelings about what was going on — if I was on the trade block. I want to be here. That’s how I feel. He told me I was all right.”

Rose is averaging 32.2 minutes, 17.6 points, 4.5 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 0.7 steals on a slash line of .462/.241/.865.

Up Next: Rose and the Knicks host the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m. ET.