ORLANDO, Fla. _ Knicks free agent point guard Derrick Rose could be moving close to home.
Rose is meeting with the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday, according to ESPN. The Bucks are a rising young team, and Milwaukee is a quick drive from Rose's native Chicago.
That's important to Rose, who left the Knicks unannounced in January and flew home to Chicago. Rose didn't respond to texts or calls from team officials. Rose called it a personal matter and said he needed to be with his mother.
The Knicks were expected to try to re-sign Rose, especially when Phil Jackson was in charge. He traded for the former MVP last June. But Jackson and the Knicks parted ways last week, leaving the team in flux.
Rose played in 64 games for the Knicks and averaged 18 points and 4.4 assists. His season ended early as he needed surgery on his left knee to repair a meniscus tear.
The Timberwolves and Spurs were potential suitors for Rose, but they each locked up point guards shortly after the free-agent negotiation period began Saturday morning.
The Knicks still need a veteran point guard to help mentor 18-year-old rookie Frank Ntilikina and Ron Baker. The second-year guard is the only free agent the Knicks have struck a deal with, agreeing on a two-year contract.
Rose is not completely out of the picture for the Knicks, although coach Jeff Hornacek has sounded lukewarm about bringing him back.
It's possible the Knicks could try and work a sign-and-trade involving Rose so they get something in return for him.
Some available point guards they've been linked to are George Hill, Darren Collison and Shelvin Mack.
But the Knicks have less than $15 million for free agency so Hill would appear out of their range. They could try to move Kyle O'Quinn or Courtney Lee to free some money.
