Like the Warriors did last season, the Cavaliers have added another former MVP. This move might not be quite as impactful however.
Point guard Derrick Rose has committed to sign with Cleveland according to a report from Shams Charania of The Vertical.
Derrick Rose has committed to sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers and completed his physical exam today, league sources tell The Vertical.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 24, 2017
Rose, 28, was named league MVP as a member of the Chicago Bulls in just his third season, but has seen his career go in a tailspin since then. Rose played just 49 games in the three seasons after winning the award, dealing with a myriad of injures. When he returned to the court in 2014, Rose saw significant declines in his efficiency and counting stats, before being traded to the Knicks last offseason.
Despite averaging 18 points per game last season, Rose averaged just 4.4 assists in 32.5 minutes per game, shot 21.7 percent from three, and was ranked 51st among point guards in real-plus minus. According to David Aldridge, Rose’s contract is a one-year deal for the veteran minimum.
Sources confirm that Derrick Rose will sign with the Cavaliers (@ShamsCharania first). One year for veteran minimum.
— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) July 24, 2017
Rose will likely be relegated to a bench scorer role with Cleveland, to try and keep the Cavs afloat when both LeBron and Kyrie are on the bench. That role could change depending on whether or not the Cavaliers trade Irving, who has requested one, this offseason. This is the first major signing by Cleveland during the free agent period.