Milwaukee Bucks Rumors: Bucks meeting with Derrick Rose
By Adam McGee
The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly set to meet with former MVP Derrick Rose on Monday.
Having re-signed Tony Snell, various reports have suggested that the Milwaukee Bucks have turned their attention to creating flexibility for further moves.
The obvious reason for that would have been to avoid the luxury tax — seen as the team’s payroll is currently over the tax mark for the coming season — but now it seems as if there could be further personnel reasons too.
According to a report from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Bucks are set to meet with former MVP and first overall pick Derrick Rose.
Free agent guard Derrick Rose is meeting with Milwaukee Bucks officials today, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 3, 2017
Sources: Milwaukee's been trying to shed contracts to create space. Bucks need to make moves to get into position to sign significant FA's. https://t.co/rxRkk6v3DS
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 3, 2017
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Once one of the league’s most exhilarating players, Rose’s star has fallen significantly in recent years. Plagued by knee injuries, the 28-year-old’s style of play has shifted in recent years. Coupled with underwhelming production, and a mysterious disappearance and subsequent no-show for a game against the Pelicans last season, it seemed unlikely that the former Knick would garner the kind of demand and offers he craved this summer.
Still, the prospect of playing in Milwaukee might make up for that. Rose’s family situation certainly complicated his time in New York, and after a game against the Bucks last season he spoke about an interest in playing for Milwaukee due to the city’s proximity to his native Chicago.
"“Of course this is like home,’’ Rose told The Post before the Knicks’ 104-93 loss to the Bucks Wednesday. “Only an hour-thirty away. Easy for [family] to come, but they usually don’t come.”"
Rose continued:
"“You hear things but I never take it too seriously,’’ Rose told The Post. “I understand what they have going on here. But I can’t think of it because I’m here. I’ve never been a free agent. This isn’t the worst area for me but I just want to win.’’"
Even with his production certainly waning, Rose is certainly still one of the more recognizable names in the NBA. In that regard, a Bucks meeting with Rose could be viewed as akin to the team’s meeting with Dwyane Wade when he was a free agent last summer.
The Bucks could certainly do with a more dynamic option in their point guard rotation, but considering his health and age, it’s up for debate whether Rose even fits that bill any more.
Next: Milwaukee Bucks: Grades for Tony Snell’s four-year, $46 million deal
Stick with us for more news on a possible Bucks/D-Rose union as it happens.