DETROIT _ The Detroit Pistons have indicated their top priority this summer is adding a point guard.
Their top target may be a former league MVP.
The Pistons "are emerging as the favorite" to sign Derrick Rose, The Athletic's Frank Isola tweeted Saturday afternoon, according to a league source. Free-agent negotiations can begin 6 p.m., Sunday, and contracts can be officially signed July 6.
The Free Press has reported the team's interest in Rose, who is coming off a resurgent season with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 6-foot-3, 200-pounder shot a career high 37% from 3-point range in 51 games last season, averaging 18 points and 4.3 assists.
ESPN reports Rose will meet with the Pistons on Sunday, "with both sides motivated on finding a pathway to a two-year contract."
Rose signed a one-year, $2.4 million deal last offseason with Minnesota.
Based on a relationship with Pistons vice chairman and minority owner Arn Tellem, his former agent, the Pistons are in good shape to receive consideration from Rose, who turns 31 before the season starts.
Health remains a major concern for Rose. He hasn't played more than 66 games in a season since his MVP year in 2010-11 with the Chicago Bulls.
Although they are over the salary cap, the Pistons have the mid-level exception ($9.2 million), the biannual exception ($3.6 million) and veteran minimum slots to fill out the roster.
Rose was the No. 1 pick in the 2008 draft out of Memphis, where he played for coach John Calipari. He has played for three teams over the past three seasons (N.Y. Knicks, Cleveland, Minnesota) since leaving Chicago in 2016.
