Forget all the Kyrie Irving drama because the Cleveland Cavaliers have found a potential replacement in case Irving leaves.
According to multiple reports, former MVP Derrick Rose has agreed to a one-year, $2.1 million veteran’s minimum deal with the team.
Rose, 28, was drawing interest from the Los Angeles Lakers as well, meeting them last week. The Lakers were prepared to offer Rose a one-year, $4.3 million deal, but the possibility of making it to the NBA Finals with the Cavs seems to have enticed the three-time All-Star.
“He just wants to focus on winning basketball games,” Rose’s agent B.J.
Armstrong told ESPN.
Rose is expected to officially sign his one-year deal with the Cavaliers on Tuesday and has already passed the physical.
The former Rookie of the Year was having difficulty finding offers throughout free agency, which left him vulnerable. However, over the last week, he was being pursued aggressively by Cleveland and Los Angeles, ultimately committing to the Cavaliers after meeting them Monday afternoon.
Derrick Rose’s role with Cleveland
Being a starter throughout his entire career, Rose will be coming off Cleveland’s bench if Kyrie Irving is not traded. He should be able to provide much-needed scoring and playmaking off the pine for the Cavs, which is a major upgrade. Cleveland’s bench was ineffective during last season’s playoffs, which was a huge downfall during the Finals.
The Injury prone Rose managed to accumulate 64 games last season, averaging 18 points, 4.4 assists, and 3.8 rebounds on 47 percent shooting. Considering all the injuries he’s endured, it was a rather successful season for Rose, as his numbers slightly increased from previous years.
What does this mean for Kyrie Irving?
Now that the Cavaliers have found another reliable Point Guard, does this mean that Kyrie Irving will almost certainly be dealt?
Irving reportedly demanded a trade from the Cavaliers and has been a hot topic the last couple of days.
It has been reported that he and LeBron James are having issues, and their relationship is in shambles. With Rose secured, the Cavaliers shouldn’t have any issues exploring trades for the one-time champion. However, their asking price will remain very high, as they are looking for an established young player along with a couple of productive veteran pieces.
Rose is obviously capable of a starting role. The only question is what can the Cavaliers get in return for Irving with such a steep asking price?
