Derrick Rose Rumored to Meet with Cavs on Monday, Leaning Cleveland over Lakers

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that free-agent point guard Derrick Rose is scheduled to meet with the Cleveland Cavaliers in Ohio on Monday.

Wojnarowski added that Rose's preference is to sign with the Cavs despite taking part in a previous meeting with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The rumored meeting comes at a critical time for the Cavaliers, as superstar guard Kyrie Irving recently asked to be traded by the team, per ESPN's Brian Windhorst.

Wojnarowski also reported that Rose and the Cavs are discussing a one-year, $2.1 million contract.

If Cleveland does trade Irving, Rose would be in line to take over as the starting point guard on a team that has reached three consecutive NBA Finals.

The 28-year-old veteran has been ravaged by injuries for much of his career, but he enjoyed a strong statistical season with the New York Knicks in 2016-17, averaging 18.0 points, 4.4 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game.

Rose is a three-time All-Star and was named the NBA MVP at the conclusion of the 2010-11 season with the Chicago Bulls.

He played just 49 games in a three-year stretch from 2011-12 through 2013-14, however, and hasn't been the same player since.

Rose remains a significant contributor when healthy, though, and could be a good fit even if Cleveland retains Irving since he would provide insurance at a key position.