The Suns already made waves this NBA season by landing Kevin Durant in a blockbuster trade with the Nets, but that doesn’t mean the franchise is done with trying to make moves on the margins. In fact, the latest player that Phoenix is reportedly keeping an eye on is another former MVP: Derrick Rose.
According to Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes, the Suns are monitoring Rose as a possible buyout candidate, should the veteran guard secure a buyout from the Knicks. Haynes reports that a buyout involving Rose remains unlikely at this stage but that some sources “don’t believe the door is completely shut” on the two sides being able to reach an agreement.
Rose, 34, has fallen out of favor and out of the rotation in New York and hasn’t played in a game since Dec. 31. In his 26 appearances for the Knicks this season, the former league MVP averaged just 5.8 points and 1.8 assists in 12.9 minutes per game.
Whether Rose is able to get bought out or not, his time in the Big Apple may soon be coming to an end. The former three-time All-Star is earning $14.5 million this season and has a team option for $15.6 million for next year that the Knicks do not plan on picking up, per Haynes.
Rose, who also boasts ample experience with the Bulls, Cavaliers, Timberwolves and Pistons, is well-past his days of being an All-Star but could give the Suns depth at the point guard position behind Chris Paul and Cameron Payne. Phoenix has been searching to add rotation players to the roster ahead of the stretch run after parting ways with several contributors around the trade deadline and Rose may just fit the bill of what the title hopefuls are searching for.
