The Phoenix Suns pulled off the deal of the season by bagging Kevin Durant on trade deadline day, but they are not finished upgrading their roster yet. According to Chris Haynes from the Bleacher Report, the Suns are now looking at the buyout market for a “ball-handler” that would bring the best out of Cameron Payne and Chris Paul.
Sources say that they have zeroed in on one player in particular, former NBA MVP, Derrick Rose. Rose was the youngest player in history to win the Most Valuable Player award. He is now 34 and is no longer in contention in New York.
The former Bulls, Cavaliers, Pistons, and Timberwolves star hasn’t played for the Knicks since December 31, meaning he could be interested in the move.
Knicks Won’t Pick Up $15.6 Million Rose Option for 2023-24
The guard is currently on $14.5 million for the season and has a $15.6 million team option for 2023-24. However, according to Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes, the Knicks will not pick up that option.
Rose may have fallen out of favor with the Knicks and no longer be in his All-Star years, but he has vast NBA experience and could be an excellent depth option for the Suns, playing behind Paul and Payne.
Moreover, the Suns decided to part ways with several backup players before the trade window closed, so acquiring Rose ahead of a busy run of games definitely makes sense for the title candidates.
