Phoenix Suns Reportedly Interested in Signing Derrick Rose
The Phoenix Suns may not be done when it comes to the buyout market.
According to a NBA insider Chris Haynes, the Suns are interested in Derrick Rose and are monitoring his situation.
"The Phoenix Suns are now surveying the market for another ball-handler to assist Chris Paul and Cameron Payne, league sources tell Bleacher Report. The buyout market is relatively bare at the point guard position at the moment. However, there is a primary candidate the team is monitoring, according to sources: New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose," said Haynes.
If fans are thinking that Phoenix could get their hands on prime 2011 MVP Rose, unfortunately that will not be the case. Over the years since he tore his ACL in 2012, Rose has been dealing with a plethora of injuries that have hindered his abilities on the basketball court.
Rose is averaging 5.8 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists for the New York Knicks this season but is currently not in the team's rotation as he has not played in a game since December 31 against the Houston Rockets.
Before this year, Rose was still a legitimate offensive threat averaging double digit points the previous six seasons. It is not consistent but Rose has always shown flashes of his old explosive game that he used to put on display back in his Chicago days.
The Knicks have not officially bought out Rose but with him out of the rotation, it's only a matter of time before the two sides part ways.
In the playoffs where injuries are more common due to the physicality of the game, it may be necessary to add another depth piece to the bench for the Suns. Cameron Payne has been struggling with injuries all season so having a guy like Rose who could come off the bench and generate some offense is huge.
At 34-years-old, Rose is a good veteran player that could handle the pressure of the playoffs and mentor the younger players on the team. If Rose is healthy, he can potentially close out a game and give Chris Paul a much needed rest if he needs it.
Rose has yet to win a championship so it would be a fitting to see a former MVP finally reach the pinnacle of NBA basketball.
