NBA Rumors: Derrick Rose targeted by Phoenix Suns in buyout market
Former MVP Derrick Rose could very well find himself joining a stacked Phoenix Suns team. With the trade deadline behind us and the 'buyout season' in full effect, teams are seizing one last opportunity to bolster rosters for postseason runs.
According to reports, the Suns are monitoring Rose's availability in the buyout market. The opportunity to part ways with the New York Knicks could give Rose a fresh start in Phoenix. Over the course of this season, Rose has largely seen himself left out of head coach Tom Thibodeau's rotations. After sitting out January and February, the move could be in Rose's best interests.
The Suns are targeting Derrick Rose on the buyout market, per @ChrisBHaynes https://t.co/7OaY4575Zz
Derrick Rose’s place on the Phoenix Suns team
With the Phoenix Suns’ addition of Kevin Durant, the Phoenix Suns now find themselves as potential favorites to make a run in the playoffs. Although the team sits in 5th in the stacked Western Conference, the remainder of the season could see the franchise pull itself up into one of the top spots in the West.
With that being said, many have questioned whether the Suns lack of depth off the bench could end up hurting them. That’s where Rose comes in. Although he has struggled at times this season due to a mix of injuries and a lack of opportunity, a new look could be just what he needs.
While it’s no secret that Derrick Rose has dealt with injuries throughout his career, he’s managed to improve his three-point shooting in recent years. Last season in 35 games for the Knicks, Rose averaged 41.1% from beyond the arc.
As Phoenix looks toward the remainder of the season, a three-point threat off the bench in Rose paired with the attacking style play of Cam Payne off the bench could be lethal. Of course, first the Knicks will have to buy Rose out of the remainder of his contract.
With time winding down before the March 1st buyout deadline, it will be interesting to see how things play out. Between Durant’s return to the court and a potential arrival of Derrick Rose, Phoenix could very well make the postseason run many are hoping to see.