Derrick Rose became one of the most talked about NBA players in the past days after he signed a $2.1 million contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Days later, reports surfaced saying that his new teammate, LeBron James, invited Rose to work out in Las Vegas.
SLAM reported that James has been in Las Vegas for the past days vacationing and working out. Accordingly, James was the one who urged Rose to transfer to the Cavaliers as he promised that the latter player would be able to compete for an NBA title.
Aside from Rose, the current Phoenix Suns guard, Eric Bledsoe, was also in Las Vegas to work out with James and Rose.
This comes after reports surfaced that Bledsoe is being eyed by the Cavaliers to replace Kyrie Irving, who has expressed that he wants out of the NBA team. If the trio will be on the same team soon, it is believed that their workouts in Las Vegas would help them build their on-court chemistry in preparation for training camp by September.
Rose eyed other teams before signing with Cavaliers
According to Bleacher Report, the former Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks player talked with other NBA teams before signing with the Cavaliers. He spoke to the San Antonio Spurs, the Los Angeles Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Los Angeles Lakers. Among all the teams he talked to, only the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers made an offer to sign Rose.
Lakers did not provide the possibility of an NBA championship. They played around the idea that Rose will get more playing time and money. As for what made him want to sign with the Cavaliers, aside from the fact that James wooed him, Rose told his agent that he wants to be part of a group of guys who are like-minded and wants to win.
In a statement released by Rose after it was made official that he is now part of the Cleveland Cavaliers, he said that his single focus and purpose now is to play and win. He echoed what his agent noted and said that being part of a roster with that type of commitment is what matters to him.
Rose never reached the NBA Finals.
He also only played once in the Eastern Conference Finals in his nine seasons of being an NBA player.
Stephon Marbury reacts over $2.1M deal of Rose with Cavs
In another report by Bleacher Report, basketball player Stephon Marbury responded to the $2.1 million deal of Rose with the Cavaliers. Marbury believes that the amount Rose got is a crime because the NBA player did not deserve such amount. In another tweet, Marbury said, “Really? An MVP for that amount of money.” He noted that even haters of Rose would not agree that he deserved such low pay.
Marbury went on to call out James for not helping Rose get a better deal.
Rose’s stats last season
During the 2016-2017 NBA season, when he played for the New York Knicks, Rose averaged 18.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per 32.5 minutes of a game.
For the past eight seasons, Rose averaged 19.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per 34.7 minutes in a game. He became the MVP during the 2010-2011 NBA season and became part of three NBA All-Star selections for 2010 through 2012.
