Mike North: So long, good luck D-Rose

The Chicago Bulls pulled the trigger and traded Derrick Rose to the New York Knicks, and it simply had to be done. His frequent injuries took a toll on the team and the town, and just maybe, the once-superb athlete is too worn down to return to his MVP form.

A change of scenery was needed and I, for one, am happy.

Now keep in mind the three men the Bulls acquired in the trade can play. In fact, former GM and NBA player Rod Higgins was on the radio with me and said he wasn't so sure that the Bulls didn't win the trade with the acquisition of center Robin Lopez, guard Jerian Grant and guard Jose Calderon. Now, Rose and the Bulls both made mistakes during the process, but this was a touchy situation from the get-go. In the first round of the playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers in June 2012, Rose tore the ACL in his left knee and changed the course of the franchise for the next four years. The Bulls were patient and tried everything possible to help the hometown guy return to his rookie form, but nothing seemed to completely work. He did perform better this year, playing in 66 games, averaging 16.4 points a game, but the polish was gone and it was his time to go. Now, maybe it's just what the doctor ordered for the Knicks, and if Rose, along with Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis, can stay healthy, the Knicks should make the playoffs. Rose is in the last year of his deal, and he will be playing for a monster contract. He's made no secret he's looking for a big payday, so it's likely good things can be expected IF he's healthy. Here in Chicago, we will now be able to see Fred Hoiberg in a new way; he should be more comfortable in his second year after inheriting a Tom Thibodeau-infused team. Jimmy Butler didn't always seem to be on the same page with the new coach last season, commenting to the media the Bulls needed to be physical. I think it's going to be a touch-and-go season, but I do know this - Butler isn't a superstar and not a great player - he's an All-Star, but reports claim he believes he's all that. Where will Joakim Noah, Pau Gasol and Taj Gibson be? I don't know, but the Bulls are far from done with their roster. It's going to be fun watching Rose and the Knicks play the Bulls this season; I'm sure he'll get a round of applause from the crowd, but I don't see many people wringing their hands over his departure. Good luck D-Rose and good luck Bulls - we will need it.

• Mike North's column appears each Tuesday and Friday in the Daily Herald, and his video commentary can be found Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at dailyherald.com. For more, visit northtonorth.com.