Derrick Rose Reportedly Receiving 'Legitimate' Free-Agency Interest from Knicks

The New York Knicks are reportedly serious about a reunion with point guard Derrick Rose in free agency. 

Citing league sources, ESPN.com's Ian Begley reported Tuesday that the Knicks have "legitimate" interest in bringing Rose back into the fold following his first season in the Big Apple.

Rose, who was limited to 64 appearances last season after he suffered a season-ending meniscus tear, averaged 18.0 points and 4.4 assists per game while shooting 47.1 percent from the field and 21.7 percent from three. 

Begley added that the Knicks' degree of interest depends on Rose's health and his camp's asking price since the Knicks "aren't interested in paying large salaries for any free agent."

Rose, it should be noted, has maintained that his desire is to return to the Knicks. 

"Derrick loves New York and wants to be there," Rose's agent, B.J. Armstrong, told B/R's Yaron Weitzman. "We've expressed that to them and been very consistent about it. Whether it happens is on them; all we can do is be clear."

Rose also made it clear in March money wouldn't be the primary factor driving his free-agent decision. 

"Not even thinking money. I've got more than enough money saved. If I stopped playing basketball now, I'll be all right," he said, per ESPN.com. "I want to win. I want to be happy and feel at peace with myself wherever I'm at. But being at the negotiating table, you never know. I'm not going to negotiate with people where money is the No. 1 thing I'm asking for. I want to win."

The Knicks added their point guard of the future in last week's draft when they selected French floor general Frank Ntilikina eighth overall, but Rose would give them something of a buffer while the 18-year-old develops. 

However, re-signing Rose wouldn't be a move made without risk. 

While the Knicks posted a robust offensive rating of 107.3 when Rose was on the floor last season, they were scorched to the tune of 111.1 points per 100 possessions on defense during those same minutes. When he sat, the Knicks' defensive rating improved a full five points to a mark of 106.1. 

Rose also hasn't appeared in at least 70 games since the 2010-11 campaign, meaning the Knicks have plenty of reasons to pause before forking over considerable cash to the 28-year-old. 

Stats courtesy of NBA.com.