The Oklahoma City Thunder had exploratory talks with free agents Derrick Rose and Tony Allen before agreeing to sign swingman Corey Brewer, according to Marc Stein of The New York Times.
Brewer reportedly talked with three Eastern Conference GMs prior to committing to the Thunder, but it was the prior history with head coach Billy Donovan that made the deal for both sides.
Rose has been looking for the right fit since being waived by the Utah Jazz after the trade deadline, as he was involved in a three-team trade with his former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Sacramento Kings.
Many executives around the league have given up hope on Rose after he's failed to average double digits during his latest stint, and one executive has even gone to say that his injury history and lack of enthusiasm have hurt his stock within league confines.
Allen left the Memphis Grizzlies after not receiving an offer this summer, signing with the New Orleans Pelicans and then taking part in the trade for Nikola Mirotic. He was later waived by the Chicago Bulls and has remainder a free agent since.
The 36-year-old averaged only 4.7 points and 2.1 rebounds, while failing to get the playing time he'd grown accustomed to in Memphis, further limiting his potential as a lockdown defender.
Teams have been enticed to sign three-and-D prospects in the free agency and buyout market, and in this case, it was Brewer's motor and spry legs who won out against a ghastly Rose and an aging Allen.
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