Derrick Rose’s DNP streak has no end in sight but he’s not forcing a buyout

With the trade deadline in the rearview mirror, Derrick Rose still doesn’t have a spot in the Knicks rotation but indicated he’s not going to gripe for a buyout.

“I’m still here,” Rose said. “So my mindset has to be, ‘OK, I’m gonna be here.’”

Rose, 34, was a natural trade candidate with reported interest from the Bucks and Kings, among other teams. But the Knicks not only kept Rose past the deadline, they acquired another guard, Josh Hart, to play above him in the rotation.

In other words, Rose’s streak of 20 straight DNPs has no end in sight. In the meantime, Rose has settled into the role of veteran leader and mentor.

“It’s still the same thing. I’m still locked in with the team, talking to the guys, mentoring and just being pretty much a leader,” Rose said.

Asked if he’s content with the circumstances, Rose responded cheerfully, “Yeah, I mean, why? I’m looking mad on the bench or something? If I was mad or something I wouldn’t be able to hide it. So, I would just say I’m the same.”

Still, a source close to the situation wouldn’t totally dismiss a buyout after the dust settled on the new rosters after a crazy trade deadline. It figures to be a very crowded buyout market — especially for point guards — which theoretically diminishes Rose’s chances of finding another team. Russell Westbrook, John Wall, Patrick Beverly and Reggie Jackson are all expected to agree to buyouts, if they haven’t already, with their respective teams.

“I haven’t even thought about it. I haven’t thought about it,” Rose said. “Normally around that time, the ball is in their court. So basically, you’re getting directions from other people to tell you where to go or what your next job is.”

Rose’s contract is essentially expiring at $14.5 million because the team option for next season certainly won’t get picked up. When Rose signed that deal in 2021, he was viewed as an important piece to the elevation of New York into a contender. But then he missed most of last season with an ankle issue and never recovered consistent playing time.

He was pulled from the rotation early this season as Thibodeau went young with Quentin Grimes, Immanuel Quickley and Miles McBride.

Rose, who is averaging 5.8 points this season in 26 games, said in December that he’s content with his career even without a championship. He was the youngest MVP in league history before enduring a litany of injuries.

“I always felt like me being on the court in Year 15, that is kind of like a championship for me,” he said.

Thibodeau, who has a long history with Rose, appreciates the veteran’s presence, even if he’s not giving him playing time.

“I always want what’s best for him. And I know he’s made a lot of sacrifices for the team,” the coach said. “But I think it’s great for us to have him — and not just with our point guards. He’s been a great mentor [and] a great teammate and he’s been through so many things, has a great understanding of the NBA.

“But he’s always been a team-first guy. And that’s what I love about him. So, I’m hopeful that he’s here. I like to have him around me because he has a very positive impact on our group.”