Milwaukee Bucks reportedly interested in acquiring New York Knicks point guard Derrick Rose

The Milwaukee Bucks are looking to add some solid rotation players before the playoffs and have their sights set on Derrick Rose.

The New York Knicks may have little use for veteran point guard Derrick Rose other than asking him to mentor the younger players, but the Milwaukee Bucks have other plans in mind. Reports are swirling that the Bucks are interested in trading for Rose to strengthen their guard rotation.

Trade interest

The former MVP hasn't played on an NBA floor since December 31, as Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau has opted to go with much younger players like Miles McBride. In fact, the 34-year-old has played in just 26 games this season, averaging a mere 12 minutes per outing. Add to that Rose's contract status—he'll be a free agent next season if his team option is declined—and you have an opening that the Bucks can exploit, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.

However, Thibodeau understands Rose's importance to the team. Despite him not playing for over a month, Thibs knows Rose's guidance is valuable to a team that hands heavy minutes to young guards like Jalen Brunson, Quentin Grimes, and Immanuel Quickley.

"He's been great. In whatever role you ask Derrick to play, he embraces it. He's always been a team-first guy. So I know he's always ready," Thibodeau said. "He contributes in a lot of different ways to our club."

Consummate pro

Thibs know how challenging it can be for a veteran used to contributing on the floor to suddenly not play a single second of NBA action. But so far, Rose has handled the situation like a consummate pro.

“I think for any veteran, it’s not easy to accept,” Thibodeau said. “And I think you always have to sacrifice and put the team first. And he’s always done that, whether he’s been an MVP or he’s been a guy that has come off the bench."

The Bucks currently have Jrue Holiday entrenched as the starter, with Jevon Carter backing him up. The Bucks also hand playmaking duties to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton. But Rose could provide additional depth at the point guard spot, something the Bucks would certainly be interested in exploring if the Knicks are willing to part ways with the veteran guard.

Although the final decision may not be in his hands, Thibs made it clear he wants Rose on his team.

"As far as the trade stuff, there's a million trades that get talked about, and very rarely does anything get done. So I always want him to be around."