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    Tom Thibodeau Reportedly Behind Timberwolves' Derrick Rose Trade Pursuit

    Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacekX.com LogoFeatured ColumnistFebruary 21, 2017

    MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 13: Assistant Coach Tom Thibodeau talks to Derrick Rose of the USA National Team during practice at Palacio de Deportes on September 13, 2014 in Madrid, Spain. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2014 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
    Jesse D. Garrabrant/Getty Images

    Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Tom Thibodeau coached the MVP version of Derrick Rose when the two were with the Chicago Bulls. Thibodeau reportedly wants another chance to lead the New York Knicks point guard.

    David Aldridge of NBA.com called the Timberwolves' pursuit of Rose "still very strong" on Tuesday and noted a league source said, "Thibs wants to do this." Aldridge clarified Minnesota would "absolutely" keep rookie Kris Dunn.

    Ian Begley of ESPN.com previously reported the Timberwolves reached out to the Knicks to discuss a potential trade involving Rose.

    Thibodeau served as Rose's head coach in Chicago from 2010 to 2015, although the Memphis product missed the 2012-13 season following an ACL tear and played just 10 games in the 2013-14 campaign because of injuries.

    He was at his best in 2010-11 under Thibodeau, when he won the MVP behind 25.0 points and 7.7 assists per game for a Chicago team that went 62-20. Rose was named to three All-Star Games during that span in the Windy City but was traded to the Knicks this past offseason.

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    The 28-year-old is far from what he once was but is still producing at 17.7 points and 4.5 assists per game this season. He is also shooting just 1.1 three-pointers a night, which is critical restraint because he is hitting those shots at a 24.1 percent clip.

    Tom Thibodeau Reportedly Behind Timberwolves' Derrick Rose Trade Pursuit
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    Begley noted the Timberwolves are looking to move point guard Ricky Rubio and eventually hand the point guard reins to Dunn. Rose would be a scoring upgrade from Rubio (who is posting a career-worst 8.9 points per game) and is someone who could provide veteran leadership for Dunn.

    Rose thrived in Thibodeau's system in the past and could mentor the youngster for the rest of the 2016-17 schedule. What's more, Rose is set to be a free agent following the season and would be off the books if Minnesota elected not to re-sign him.

    That means the Timberwolves wouldn't sink long-term money into this potential trade and would still clear the way for Dunn to take over the full-time starting role in the future.