Hey Thunder fans, how does Malik Rose grab you?

ESPN’s Marc Stein is reporting that the Thunder and Knicks are discussing a deal that would send reserve forward Malik Rose to Oklahoma City for Chris Wilcox. Here’s what I know about Rose:

– His  $7.6 million deal expires this season.

– He turns 35 in November.

– Unlike Wilcox, who I personally love because I’m from Maryland and he played on the Terps’ only NCAA title team (still doesn’t seem possible that could be true, but sadly it is), Rose will play defense.

– He’s a self-made player out of Drexel who would give the Thunder the toughness and rebounding they’ve needed off the bench. (Think Aaron Williams, the 2006 Hornets’ version, who got a standing ovation in the Ford Center when he checked into a game the first time after being acquired from the Nets).

Stein reported this in an update that led with the Knicks getting a lot of new players. The Chicago Tribune is reporting that Larry Hughes is headed to New York from Chicago in exchange for Jerome James and someone named Anthony Roberson. Knicks fans who have been having Jerome James nightmares for years should sleep well tonight. We’ll be working to confirm and follow up.