Free agent point guard Derrick Rose is in “serious talks” with the Cleveland Cavaliers, working on a potential one-year deal, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Brian Windhorst.
The Cavs’ tax bill would soar from $71.8 million to $83.4 million if the remaining tax mid-level exception is used, making the total cost adding Rose $14.1million between his salary and the corresponding tax, per Marks.
The veteran floor general showed glimpses of his 2011 MVP form during his lone season with the New York Knicks, who will be unable to re-sign him after shelling out $80 million in their two shooting guard acquisitions this summer.
The Milwaukee Bucks had been the frontrunners for his services until now that Rose and the Cavs have engaged in talks.
The acquisition of Rose would be the first big free agent signing the Cavs have made this offseason, as he is considered the top point guard talent in the free agent market at this time.
Having his talent as an explosive scoring point guard off the bench could do wonders for the Cavs’ bench, though it still doesn’t address the glaring defensive woes the team has struggled with for the better part of last season.
Rose averaged 18 points per game — his highest scoring output since the year after his MVP season — adding 4.4 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game.
The Chicago native shot a formidable 47.1 percent from the floor and a career-best 87.4 clip from the stripe, still struggling to connect from deep at a mere 21.7 percent from beyond the arc.
