While the main talk so far in the NBA offseason has been about Paul George and the NBA draft, let's not forget about some other interesting players and their potential change of scenery. Free agency starts on July 1st, and there will be some notable free agents that might have an impact on some teams. We saw last summer when Kevin Durant joined the Warriors as a free agent what can happen if you land the right guy in free-agency. Obviously there isn't a player of Durant's caliber that's available this summer, but some players have had really good careers so far in the NBA.
One of the players that will be a free agent in just a couple of days is Derrick Rose.
Rose back with the Knicks next season?
Derrick Rose is a former league MVP as he won the award in 2011 playing for the Chicago Bulls. After spending eight years with the Bulls, Rose joined the Knicks last summer hoping to regain his MVP level playing in the "Big Apple". He averaged 18.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game while shooting 47% from the field last season. Rose played 64 games for the Knicks before tearing the meniscus in his left knee in April. ESPN reported on Wednesday that the sources close to the Knicks said that they have "legitimate" interest in re-signing Rose. Derrick will turn 29 in October, and while he has had to deal with a lot of injuries throughout his career, the Knicks believe he can help them next season and be productive on the floor.
Earlier this season it was reported that the Knicks were trying to move him via trade, and teams like Minnesota and the San Antonio Spurs were mentioned as potential landing spots. Apparently, Rose will stay in New York after all, and hopefully he can stay healthy and play at the highest level.
The Rockets trying their best to get CP3
Chris Paul will also be a free agent this summer, and he already informed the Clippers that he will opt out his final year of the contract. Paul spent the last six seasons playing for the Clippers, but had little success playing in LA as he never even played in the Conference finals. Paul averaged 18.1 points and 9.2 assists per game last season and is still considered one of the best point guards and leaders in the NBA.
Chris is in the twilight of his career, and even though the Clippers can offer him the most money, many believe that Paul will join the team that he believes can compete for the title. One of the teams mentioned as the favorites to sign him this summer is the Houston Rockets. ESPN's Marc Stein reported on Wednesday that the Rockets are becoming serious contenders in signing Chris Paul, although they would have to clear a lot of cap space in order to get him this summer. It will be interesting to see how this situation evolves.
