Derrick Rose would consider Bucks in free agency

Former NBA MVP Derrick Rose will enter uncharted territory this summer when he hits unrestricted free agency for the first time, and while remaining in The Big Apple appears to be his priority, the 28-year-old point guard is keeping his options wide open.

The Milwaukee Bucks would be in the mix to acquire Rose's services, which he acknowledged prior to his New York Knicks' 104-93 loss Wednesday at BMO Harris Bradley Center.

"Of course. This is like home," Rose told the New York Post's Marc Berman. "Only an hour-thirty away. Easy for (family) to come, but they don't usually come."

Rose led the way for New York with 26 points on a scorching 13-of-16 shooting from the field, while Milwaukee only got a combined 14 points with four makes on 16 total attempts from Matthew Dellavedova and rookie Malcolm Brogdon.

From a personnel standpoint, it's clear Rose would be an upgrade over what the Bucks have at the position, and with Milwaukee being within an arm's reach of where he resides with his 4-year-old son in Chicago, it seems like a match made in heaven.

"You hear things but I never take it too seriously," Rose added. "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."

The Bucks will be strapped for cash following the 2016-17 campaign, especially if Greg Monroe opts in to his $17.8-million player option for next season. Rose will reportedly seek a max contract, so it would take some financial maneuvering to make it all possible.

In 56 appearances for the Knicks, Rose is averaging 17.9 points, 4.5 assists, and 3.9 rebounds with a player efficiency rating of 16.6 in 32.6 minutes. The team is 26-39, though, and is 5.5 games back of the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference.