Two people familiar with the negotiations have told the Associated Press that former MVP Derrick Rose is meeting with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Rose is discussing a potential contract with Cleveland on Monday, according to the sources. The defending Eastern Conference champions have had serious discussions with Rose and his representatives over the past week.

The 28-year-old Rose played for the New York Knicks last season and averaged 18 points and 4.4 assists in 64 games but his career has been beset with injury problems. The Cavaliers are significantly over the salary cap and can only offer Rose a one-year deal for the veteran’s minimum of $2.1m.

Cleveland’s pursuit of Rose is coinciding with All-Star guard Kyrie Irving asking the team to trade him. Rose was initially viewed as a possible backup to Irving, but he could now be a starter if the Cavs make a deal. On Sunday, ESPN reported that LeBron James will not waive his no-trade clause during the upcoming season despite reports that he is unhappy with the Cavaliers’ failure to strengthen the team significantly during the off-season. James will be able to enter free agency next summer.