Derrick Rose could be nearing a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Rose and the Cavaliers have been engaged in "positive" communication.

Rose left the Cavaliers on the day before Thanksgiving to consider his future playing career. Rose has been out since Nov. 9th due to complications from a sprained left ankle.

B.J. Armstrong, Rose's agent, has not returned numerous messages seeking comment or clarification.

Isaiah Thomas is nearing a return to the court from a hip injury, and when he comes back he will start. Dwyane Wade is excelling as the Cavs' backup point guard.

LeBron James has not been in contact with Rose.

"Whenever he's ready to tell us or whatever, we're ready for that," James said. "You don't ever fast-track someone's process of what they may be going through. When they're ready to talk about it or ready to bring it to the forefront, as his teammates we'll be ready for it.

"I don't know what the organization's stand on that is, that's different. From us as players, we don't need an answer from him, we want him to be as great as he can be, off the floor first before he even thinks about being on the floor."