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NBA Rumors: Los Angeles Clippers could sign Derrick Rose?

By Evan Massey

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 25: Derrick Rose #25 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden on December 25, 2016 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 25: Derrick Rose #25 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden on December 25, 2016 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Clippers are meeting with Derrick Rose and could sign the former superstar point guard to replace Chris Paul.

Derrick Rose is one of the top free agents left on the market and it appears that the Los Angeles Clippers have interest in signing him. According to a report from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Rose scheduled a meeting with the Clippers on Wednesday and the team is interested in signing him to replace Chris Paul.

While Rose might not be able to replace Paul’s production, he might very well be the best option that the Clippers have. He is a capable scorer and if he stays healthy can run an offense.

Last season with the New York Knicks, Rose put together a decent all-around season. He averaged 18.0 points per game to go along with 4.4 assists and 3.8 rebounds. Rose shot 47.1 percent from the field overall and knocked down just 21.7 percent of his looks from the three-point line.

At 28 years of age, Rose could be signed to a multi-year deal and the Clippers could form a Big Four with him, Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan and Danilo Gallinari. It doesn’t sound as dangerous as it would be with Paul in the lineup, but the Clippers would likely still contend for a playoff spot in the loaded Western Conference.

Why the Clippers should sign Derrick Rose

Even though some don’t think the Clippers should make the move for Rose, there are a few different reasons why they should.

First of all, L.A. cannot afford to go into the season with their current point guard depth chart. Austin Rivers is not a starting-caliber point guard in the NBA, while Patrick Beverly is capable of starting but not quite the quality of player that Rose could be for the Clippers.

Losing a talent like Paul is never easy for any team. He was the floor general, leader and capable scorer that the Clippers depended on in key situations. Rose may not be able to make his teammates better around him to the level that Paul did, but he showed last season in New York that he can be a playmaker and scorer at an elite level.

Secondly, the Clippers cannot afford to stand pat after giving Blake Griffin a five-year, $173 million contract. Their current roster is not going to get the job done and it is obvious. Signing Rose would be a swing for the fences in hopes that he can stay healthy and make a positive impact.

Los Angeles has been a legitimate Western Conference contender since Paul signed with them. Even with him gone, the Clippers have a good enough team that they could conceivably stay in contention. That being said, adding on another piece would be a big help.

Rose also is receiving interest from the Milwaukee Bucks, which could be a better fit for him. L.A. might be a more attractive landing spot for Rose, although there are other teams that could show interest in the former superstar point guard before he decides where to sign.

Next: 2017 NBA free agency tracker - Grades for every deal so far

All of that being said, it will be interesting to see what the Clippers do throughout the rest of the offseason. Rose might be the answer at the point guard position. Whether he is or not, the Clippers should definitely throw an offer his way and take a home run swing.

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