Milwaukee Bucks free agency rumors: Derrick Rose, Kevin Love, Terrence Ross
There is speculation that the Milwaukee Bucks may be exploring the option of adding free agents Derrick Rose, Kevin Love, and Terrence Ross to their roster.
Marc Stein of the Stein Line reported the Bucks are one of several teams interested in Rose. The New York Knicks just declined a $15.6 million team option for the 2023-24 season after the veteran point guard fell out of the rotation late in the season.
Rose played in New York for the last two-and-a-half seasons, but only appeared in 53 total games the last two years combined. Last season, his performance drastically declined, resulting in him being benched for the latter half of the season.
The Milwaukee Bucks are rumored to be interested in the services of free agents Derrick Rose, Kevin Love and Terrence Ross.
His fit in Milwaukee would be questionable at best, especially if they retain Jevon Carter. Rose isn’t known for his defense and would struggle in a pressure-oriented scheme like Adrian Griffin wants to run. Carter is much better suited to that role.
During his prime, Rose put a ton of pressure on the rim by attacking off the bounce. However, only 28 percent of his shots came within four feet of the hoop in 2022-23, the lowest of his career according to Cleaning the Glass. That doesn’t bode well for a 34-year-old with a long injury history.
Stein also reported the Chicago Bulls and Phoenix Suns are interested in Rose, while a Knicks’ return can’t be ruled out. If Milwaukee were to seriously pursue Rose, I’m assuming it would be for the veteran minimum.
Sam Amico of Hoops Wire reported Milwaukee’s interest in Kevin Love and Terrence Ross.
During Game 1 of the first round of playoffs against the Miami Heat, Love was involved in the incident that caused an injury to Giannis Antetokounmpo. He slid under Antetokounmpo’s air-born attempt to score at the rim, causing the Bucks’ star to land on his back and miss the next two-plus games.
Without dwelling on past issues, Love was rejuvenated during the Heat’s playoff run to the NBA Finals. He’s a very intelligent player who understands how to win at the highest level. With his ability to play both power forward and center, he brings floor spacing, dependable screening, excellent rebounding, and remarkable outlet passes to the game. If the Bucks aim to increase their fastbreak opportunities in the upcoming season, Love could be a valuable asset as a rotational player.
Ross is another intriguing player on the wing. He’s a microwave scorer who could provide the Bucks with a punch off their bench. He’s not afraid to fire away from anywhere on the court and could play alongside any of the Bucks’ best players. His biggest question marks are on defense and how he’d fit in Milwaukee’s new scheme.
Next. Ranking 4 threats to sign Middleton away from Bucks. dark
It will be interesting to see the type of players Milwaukee signs this offseason. If the draft is any indication, they’ll be targeting a different kind from the Mike Budenholzer era. Stay tuned!