Derrick Rose might watch the NBA from outside longer than he previously envisioned.
The free agent point guard has drawn no concrete interest from playoff-bound teams, as the March 1 deadline for inclusion on postseason rosters is set to pass, Bleacher Report’s Ken Berger reported Thursday, citing multiple NBA sources. The Utah Jazz waived Rose earlier this month following his arrival from the Cleveland Cavaliers as part of a three-team trade, and he has been waiting for a fresh NBA opportunity ever since.
Rose’s brief spell in Cleveland was a failure due to an early-season ankle injury and his subsequent decision to leave the team in late November in order to evaluate his basketball future. He returned in mid-January amid the Cavs’ free fall but only lasted a few more weeks on Cleveland’s roster.
His recent injury history and questions about his mentality seem to have swayed teams against offering more than a 10-day contract, according to Berger.
“The injuries and lack of enthusiasm to play hurts him,” a Western Conference executive told Berger.
Rose reportedly hopes the Oklahoma City Thunder will offer him a longer-term deal prior to the deadline in the aftermath of Andre Roberson’s injury, but Berger’s sources say there’s “no traction” on that front.
General managers speculated the Los Angeles Clippers or Minnesota Timberwolves might be interested in signing Rose, but he had received “no communication” from them as of Wednesday night, according to Berger.
The most logical outcome involves Rose waiting until next season for the “attractive” and “substantial” offer he reportedly seeks.
