The Utah Jazz waived Derrick Rose on Saturday, and the Washington Wizards could be a team interested in his services now that he’ll hit the market.
ESPN reported the Wizards are “expected to survey the possibility” of signing Rose while star point guard John Wall recovers from knee surgery. Wall is expected to miss 6-8 weeks.
Rose, the former 2011 MVP, started the season in Cleveland on the league minimum, but was traded to Utah at the deadline.
Rose is only 29, but he is far removed from the explosive player that he used to be with the Chicago Bulls. Since 2011, Rose has had three knee surgeries, including an ACL tear that caused him to miss the entire 2012-13 season.
In Cleveland, Rose averaged only 9.8 points and 1.6 assists in 19.8 minutes per game. After spraining his ankle in November, Rose took a 12-day absence from the Cavaliers in which he contemplated retirement.
Rose rejoined the Cavaliers on Dec. 4, but didn’t play again until Jan. 18. He’s played a total of 16 games this season.
Wizards coach Scott Brooks said Thursday they would explore adding someone to the roster with two spots open, following Washington trading guard Sheldon Mac to Atlanta at the deadline.
The Wizards have had a long history of trying to find a suitable backup to Wall. In Wall’s absence, guard Tomas Satoransky has elevated his game and played well with the starters. Tim Frazier, who the Wizards traded their 2017 second round pick to acquire in June, has been the backup.
Last season, Rose averaged 15.3 points per game in 64 games with the New York Knicks.
Besides the Wizards, the Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly interested in adding Rose. If the Minnesota signs him, it would reunite Rose with his old coach, Tom Thibodeau.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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