There has been some traction regarding Derrick Rose's possible destination. According to Chris Haynes of ESPN, Rose and the Milwaukee Bucks have set up a second meeting. Rose is potentially the best free agent on the market.
Rising stars in Milwaukee
Rose averaged 18.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists this past season with the New York Knicks. Rose has had meetings with the Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers. It sounds as though the Bucks interest Rose with rising stars in Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Malcolm Brogdon. Not to mention Jabari Parker if he can stay healthy for a season.
The Bucks made the playoffs last season, but were eliminated in the first round. Rose could provide a veteran presence on a young team and would likely mesh well with coach and former point guard Jason Kidd. However, the main hurdle is compensation. The Bucks are already $1.3 million over the luxury tax. However, the Bucks can use their mid-level exception worth $5.2 million.
Just a meeting
The meeting between Rose and the Bucks is exactly what is says. A meeting. The Bucks already have three point guards on the team between Brogdon, Matthew Dellavedova, and Gary Payton II. Even if Rose came to the Bucks, there's not guarantee that he would get a lot of playing time. Brogdon is the reigning Rookie of the Year, Middleton can handle the ball sometimes, and it doesn't seem likely that the Bucks would bring in a fourth point guard.
Also, the Bucks would have to trade a player such as John Henson for salary cap purposes. Henson has three-years, and $32 million left on his deal. Haynes reported that both Henson and the Bucks want to move on from each other.
Clippers still a contender
If Rose is going to take less money, the Clippers make the most sense. The Bucks are meeting Rose in Los Angeles for the second time.
Rose would have to battle Patrick Beverley for the starting point guard job there as well, but he has a better chance with the Clippers. The Bucks like playing with their young corps The Clippers are just looking to compete in the west. Plus, having a two-guard team of Rose and Beverley rotating would be way more effective.
Regardless, Rose is not going to get the money he thinks he is going to get. The Knicks seem ready to move on. The Timberwolves were once rumored to go after Rose, but they do not have the money to afford him. The Clippers have the roster spot and a coach that would work well with Rose.
