Former NBA MVP Derrick Rose Will Reportedly Sign with Cavaliers

With the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Kyrie Irving asking to be traded (and likely on the way out since he has burned a bridge in Cleveland with the request), the Cavaliers wasted no time in acquiring some new talent. Reports are that former MVP Derrick Rose has agreed to a one year $2.1 million deal with Cleveland, which is the NBA’s minimum veteran salary.

Rose, a free agent, played for the New York Knicks last season, averaging 18 points and 4,4 assists per game in 64 games. It was his only season with the Knicks. He entered the NBA with the Chicago Bulls in the 2008-9 season, and was the NBAs Most Valuable Player in the 2010-11 season, when he averaged 25 points and 7.7 assists per game. Rose’s career has been plagued by knee injuries. He missed the entire 2012-13 season, played in just 10 games in 2013-14 and 39 games in 2011-12. Last year’s stats indicate he can still play well. And at just 28 years of age, should be able to contribute for some time yet assuming his knees hold up. The Cavaliers need to show they are still committed to do what it takes to win, despite the impending departure of Irving, if they want to have any chance of keeping LeBron James past next season.

Here’s a Rose highlight reel from his time with the Bulls: