Derrick Rose Rumors: PG Doesn't Have Meeting with Bucks Despite Mutual Interest

The Milwaukee Bucks haven't met with free-agent point guard Derrick Rose for a second time despite the two parties having mutual interest, USA Today's Jeff Zillgitt reported Sunday.

ESPN.com's Chris Haynes reported on Thursday that the Bucks and Rose had planned to meet over the weekend in Los Angeles. They had an earlier discussion once the free-agency period opened this summer.

According to Haynes, money is an issue between Milwaukee and the 2011 MVP. The Bucks are only capable of using $4.4 million of their $7.6 million mid-level exception to pay Rose before they hit the NBA's hard salary cap.

Rose played one season for the New York Knicks after spending seven seasons with the Chicago Bulls. He averaged 18.0 points and 4.4 assists a game.

Milwaukee's pursuit of Rose is somewhat surprising in that the Bucks already have Matthew Dellavedova and Rookie of the Year winner Malcolm Brogdon on the roster. Giannis Antetokounmpo is also capable of playing every position on the floor with the exception of center.

While upgrading at point guard would help the Bucks in their pursuit to climb up the Eastern Conference standings after a sixth-place finish, signing Rose may mean ultimately letting one of Dellavedova or Brogdon go—or at the very least shedding whatever contracts are needed to accommodate his potential salary.