Timberwolves Reportedly Eyeing Derrick Rose In Free Agency

Derrick Rose is being targeted by the Minnesota Timberwolves now that the former New York Knicks point guard is entering free agency for the first time this summer.

Timberwolves Targeting Derrick Rose In Free Agency

The 28-year-old played the 2016-2017 season for the Knicks after being traded by the Chicago Bulls, with whom he spent eight years. Rose joined the Knicks in a trade that also involved Robin Lopez, Jose Calderon, Jerian Grant and Justin Holiday.

Rose — the 2008 first overall draft pick — averaged 18 points, 4.4 assists and 3.8 rebounds in 64 games for the Knicks, who finished last campaign with a disappointing 31-51 record.

The 2011 MVP is coming off a meniscus tear in his left knee that required season-ending surgery. At the time of the surgery, the Knicks estimated Rose’s recovery to last between three and six weeks, so the point guard is expected to be healthy by now.

Timberwolves president and head coach Tom Thibodeau knows Rose well: the guard played five seasons under Thibodeau (2010-2015) with the Bulls.

Rose, who has sustained several knee injuries throughout his career, hast not played in more than 70 games in a season since 2010-2011. He and his agent B.J. Armstrong have both stated they are open to re-signing with the Knicks.

In the Knicks’ season-ending press conference, team president Phil Jackson stated he was impressed by Rose voicing an interest in returning despite his rough 2016 campaign.

“He enjoyed playing here even with the losses, which of course surprises us because he’s been on some very successful teams,” Jackson said. “But he wants to redeem himself as a player. Which I like that attitude. I like who Derrick represents as himself. He’s very direct about taking on a big challenge.”

Near the end of the regular season, sources told ESPN that the Knicks were still considering re-signing Rose this summer.

The Timberwolves have a strong core of young players, including former top overall pick Karl-Anthony Towns. However, Rose could help boost Minnesota’s struggling backcourt. Besides veteran Ricky Rubio, the Timberwolves boast several other former first-round draft selections including Tyus Jones and Kris Dunn.

No other teams have thus far expressed interest in Rose as a free agent, although some rival executives believe the San Antonio Spurs may want to sign Rose, depending on how the free-agent market for point guards evolves.

In late March, Rose revealed that once he became a free agent, he would be more interested in winning than in money.

“Not even thinking money. I’ve got more than enough money saved. If I stopped playing basketball now, I’ll be all right,” Rose reiterated to reporters in Utah on Wednesday night. “I want to win. I want to be happy and feel at peace with myself wherever I’m at. But being at the negotiating table, you never know. I’m not going to negotiate with people where money is the No. 1 thing I’m asking for. I want to win.”

BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 22: Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles against the Boston Celtics during the third quarter at TD Garden on January 22, 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts.