Which NBA Contender is 'Monitoring' Knicks' Derrick Rose Situation?

Rose has not played for the New York Knicks in the calendar year, but that hasn't stopped a rising contender in the Western Conference from keeping an eye on things.

Is a new home blooming for Derrick Rose?

With the NBA trade deadline having come and gone, Rose remains a member of the New York Knicks ... in name only. Long removed from head coach Tom Thibodeau's nine-man rotation, Rose was a popular candidate for relocation but it was fellow exile Cam Reddish that was dealt instead, moved to Portland in a deal that brought Josh Hart east. 

Even with the trade embargo in effect, many have pegged Rose as a prime candidate for a contract buyout. According to Bleacher Report, the rising Phoenix Suns are poised to pounce if and when the Knicks opt to cut ties.

Chris Haynes writes that Phoenix, having previously acquired Kevin Durant from Brooklyn in the wee hours of deadline day, is seeking "another ball-handler to assist Chris Paul and Cameron Payne." Even though Rose, 34, has not taken to New York hardwood since Dec. 31, neither he nor the Knicks reportedly are in favor of a buyout. In a hardly-surprising development, Haynes also reports that the Knicks will not pick up the 2011 NBA MVP's $15.6 million option for the 2023-24 season.

In 26 games this season, Rose has averaged 5.8 points and 1.8 assists in the third year of his second term in Manhattan. The Knicks (34-27) return to action on Saturday night when they take on the New Orleans Pelicans (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG).

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Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

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