Free-agent point guard Derrick Rose has signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the team announced on Tuesday.
Terms were not announced by the Cavaliers but the deal is for one year and a veterans minimum salary of $2.1 million, sources told ESPN.
The defending Eastern Conference champions met with Rose and his agent, B.J. Armstrong, on Monday. The 2011 MVP is expected to sign his contract as early as Tuesday.
Signing with Cleveland not only allows Rose to contend for a championship but also provides Rose the opportunity to play closer to his hometown of Chicago.
Additionally, in the wake of the news that Kyrie Irving wants out of Cleveland, a starting point guard spot could be up for grabs. Provided Irving secures his request, Rose's partnering up with LeBron James could keep the Cavaliers afloat as a contender.
Rose has communicated with James through the process that led him to the Cavaliers, league sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
On Monday night, James took to Twitter to welcome his new teammate.
🌹 🌹 🌹🌹🌹 Let's Rock G!!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 24, 2017
Rose, 28, met with the Los Angeles Lakers for nearly three hours on Thursday, sources said.
The Lakers tried to entice Rose to sign with them, suggesting they can offer more playing time and money in a better environment after his tumultuous 2016-17 season with the New York Knicks.
The Lakers believed that Rose, who had been working out at L.A.'s practice facility lately, could help the development of their rookie point guard Lonzo Ball, the No. 2 pick in the NBA draft.
Rose averaged 18 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.4 assists on 47.1 percent shooting -- his best percentage since the 2009-10 season -- in 64 games for the Knicks last season.
Rose also met with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Clippers.
