Report: Cavs had interest in Rose regardless of Irving trade request

Derrick Rose may be a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, but that doesn't necessarily mean Kyrie Irving's days as the team's starting point guard are over.

The Cavaliers had interest in signing the former MVP regardless of Irving's reported trade request, league sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. However, there's a growing possibility Rose will be handed a significant role during the upcoming season as Cleveland continues to search for a new home for Irving.

Cleveland is reportedly confident they can obtain a "king's ransom" for Irving, and believe a trade is "almost inevitable."

After undergoing multiple knee surgeries, Rose has been a shell of his former self over the past few seasons, and may struggle to replace Irving's production on the offensive end.

Rose averaged 18 points, 4.4 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.7 steals on 47.1 percent shooting during his lone season with the New York Knicks.