NBA Rumors: Phoenix Suns Interested In Former MVP On Buyout Market

The Phoenix Suns have made the big splashy move of trading for Kevin Durant, and they've dipped into the buyout market to add a perimeter shooter in Terrence Ross. But according to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, the Suns are also "surveying the market" for another ballhandler. And the "primary" candidate they're monitoring is former MVP, Derrick Rose.  

REPORT: Phoenix Suns are “monitoring” Derrick Rose if bought out by the New York Knicks.

Rose hasn’t been in New York’s rotation since December.

How would Rose fit in Phoenix? 🤔🏆@ChrisBHaynes pic.twitter.com/cLvTnjFKdR

— NBA Buzz (@OfficialNBABuzz) February 24, 2023

To be clear, Rose has not been bought out as yet by the Knicks. But he's been out of the Knicks' rotation for most of the last three months and hasn't played a single minute since December. The team gauged the trade market for Rose earlier this month, but there he is, still wallowing at the end of coach Tom Thibodeau's bench. 

BUT... if they were to arrange for a buyout, a championship contender would be ready to test the waters on Rose. 

The Knicks point guard is earning $14.5M this season, and Haynes says a buyout is still "unlikely" but sources say the door is not completely shut on it just yet. 

In his four seasons on Broadway, the 34-year-old has averaged 14.2 points and 3.8 assists. He won the MVP with the Chicago Bulls in 2010-11.

The Suns became an instant title contender after their blockbuster trade for Kevin Durant two weeks ago. He'll be making his Phoenix debut next Wednesday.