It may not be the big free agency splash that Cavaliers superstars LeBron James and Kyrie Irving may have been hoping for this offseason, but Derrick Rose may be headed to Cleveland.
Rose, who played last season with the New York Knicks, is close to signing a one-year deal with the Eastern Conference Champions, according to a report from ESPN.
Rose is expected to have a face-to-face meeting with the team in the team coming days.
Rose has met with teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Clippers this offseason.
Rose had his best season of late with the Knicks last season. Rose averaged 18 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.4 assists on 47.1 percent shooting, which was the best shooting percentage since the 2009-10 season.
Rose also averaged a career-high 10.1 points in the paint last season which was tied for 2nd best in the NBA among guards.
Rose, who has also battled durability issues throughout his career, spent mostly with the Chicago Bulls, suited up for 64 games last season for the Knicks.
It’s unclear if the Cavs interest is in direct response to Irving’s request for trade, or to have Rose serve in a 6th man role.
Fans will have to check the best sportsbooks online to see if/when Rose is added to the Cavs, it increases their chances of returning to the NBA Finals next season.
For now, Rose, who became the youngest player in NBA history to win the MVP award in 2011, seems likely to be signing with the Cavaliers in the coming days but interest in the form #1 overall pick is certainly heating up of late.