Derrick Rose, Milwaukee Bucks have mutual interest in NBA Free Agency 2017

Derrick Rose could seriously consider the Milwaukee Bucks as a destination during this offseason's free agency period, per reports. The former MVP is on the final year of his five-year, US$95 million (AU$125 million) contract that he signed with the Chicago Bulls ahead of the 2012-13 season.

While the New York Knicks, Rose's current team, will be in a position to outbid potential suitors in NBA Free Agency 2017, the point guard is not expected to warrant a maximum contract due to his injury history and reduced production in recent years. While Rose is still a starting-calibre point guard in the league, general managers would be hesitant to give him the kind of money that Kyle Lowry and Stephen Curry are expected to receive this offseason.

The Bucks, meanwhile, are still searching for their point guard of the future. While rookie Malcolm Brogdon and veteran Matthew Dellavedova have proven to be solid additions to the roster, the Bucks could benefit from a proven scorer like Rose, who can still average 18 and 8 under a sound offensive scheme. With Giannis Antetokounmpo also improving as a playmaker, the Bucks could have plenty of ball-handling options next season, especially with the potential addition of Rose.

NBA Free Agency 2017: Why Derrick Rose could consider Milwaukee

Prior to New York's visit to Milwaukee last Wednesday, Rose teased a potential move to the Bucks in the summer due to its closeness to his hometown of Chicago. "Of course this is like home. Only an hour-thirty away (from my hometown of Chicago). Easy for (family) to come but they usually don’t come," the eighth-year guard told The New York Post.

Rose revealed that he grew up as a huge fan of Jason Kidd, coach of the Bucks. "I watched him even in college -- my family is a basketball family. We’re all basketball heads," Rose said before adding that he will weigh all his options in free agency before coming to a decision. “You hear things (in the media) but I never take it too seriously. I understand what they have going on here. But I can’t think of it because I’m here. I’ve never been a free agent. This isn’t the worst area for me but I just want to win.’’

According to Marc Berman's report, "there's even a theory that Kidd prefers not to make the playoffs so the Bucks can enter a lottery chock-full of point guards." In recent months, scouts have been proclaiming the 2017 NBA Draft as the deepest class since 2003. Interestingly, both Knicks and Bucks could be looking for point guards in June with their potential lottery picks. Derrick Rose is averaging 17.8 points, 4.4 assists and 3.9 rebounds this season