The Milwaukee Bucks continue to be linked to Derrick Rose, with a second meeting between the two parties said to be in the works.
With over 10 days having passed since the Milwaukee Bucks were first reported to be meeting with former Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose, the two sides are said to be preparing for a second meeting.
The Bucks are currently right up against the luxury tax, but with the market for Rose having dwindled significantly since their previous meeting, it seems Milwaukee’s representatives are interested in holding further talks with the former MVP.
According to a report from Chris Haynes of ESPN, a meeting could take place “as early as this weekend”, with Los Angeles the likely destination. Haynes explains that although there may be mutual interest in a deal, the finances continue to be a stumbling block.
"“The main obstacle on an agreement to relocate to Milwaukee has been compensation.Milwaukee is approximately $1.6 million over the tax. The taxpayer midlevel exception of $5.2 million is all the franchise can offer at the moment. In order to make a more lucrative proposition, the Bucks have to shed salary via a trade.”"
While it’s no secret that the Bucks have been looking to make a trade to shed salary and get under the tax, Haynes suggested one particular player who they may be most interested in moving to come to terms with Rose.
"“Big man John Henson could be a prime trade candidate.There is mutual interest and motivation from both sides on finding the 6-11 center a new home, league sources tell ESPN. Henson, a shot-blocking specialist, has three years and $32 million remaining on his contract.”"
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With four centers on the books at present, Henson is likely to find minutes difficult to come by next season. Still, the mention of a “mutual interest and motivation from both sides” to find a trade for the former UNC Tar Heel is certainly a new wrinkle.
Considering the market has effectively disappeared for Rose since the Knicks renounced his rights and the Clippers signed Miloš Teodosić, it doesn’t seem like he’s coming into these negotiations from a position of power.
Coming off of the latest in a long line of knee injuries, commanding more than a share of the MLE seems unlikely for the Chicago native. Even if the Bucks do manage to move Henson to free up further flexibility, it wouldn’t be wise to immediately send that back in Rose’s direction.
Next: Milwaukee Bucks: Examining the 2017 version of Derrick Rose
With interest still holding up for both sides it feels increasingly likely that Rose could be suiting up for the Bucks next season, but having already found themselves in a difficult financial spot this summer, Milwaukee’s front office needs to consider their next move very carefully.