Cavaliers talking contract with Derrick Rose, says source

CLEVELAND — The Cavaliers could be adding another former MVP to their roster.

Looking to close the gap on the champion Golden State Warriors, Cleveland is in contract talks with free agent guard Derrick Rose, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Thursday (Friday Manila time). Rose, whose career has been sidetracked by injuries, could sign a one-year deal for the veteran’s minimum, according to the person, who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the talks.

Cleveland has salary cap issues and is limited in what it can offer Rose, who made $21.3 million while playing in 64 games for the New York Knicks last season.

ESPN.com first reported the Cavs’ pursuit of the 28-year-old Rose. Other teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, are interested in him.

Although Rose may not be the same player he was in 2011 when he was named the league’s MVP while with the Chicago Bulls, he can still score and would be another nice compliment to LeBron James, a four-time MVP.

The Cavaliers signed free agent Jose Calderon last month as a backup to All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving. Rose, if healthy, would be a better option than the 34-year-old Calderon.

Cleveland struggled to fill the backup role last season after allowing Matthew Dellavedova to leave as a free agent following the 2016 championship.

Rose has averaged 19.5 points and 6.0 assists since being drafted first overall by Chicago in 2008. He was a three-time All-Star during his seven seasons with the Bulls.