AWOL DERRICK ROSE’S FUTURE WITH KNICKS JUST GOT EVEN MORE FUZZY, REPORT SAYS.

Derrick Rose's future with the Knicks has become increasingly uncertain in the wake of his unexcused — and unexplained — absence from Monday's game against the Pelicans, Yahoo Sports reported, citing unidentified sources.

Via Yahoo: "Knicks officials didn’t hear from Rose that he was OK until after an embarrassing loss to New Orleans, a confirmation that sources said began the next conversation within the organization: What do they do with Rose now?"

MORE: Derrick Rose absent from Knicks game
In the short-term, he could be facing a suspension, league sources told Yahoo.
The long-term?
He reportedly already was unhappy with how coach Jeff Hornacek has used him, particularly in late-game situations, though the 2011 NBA MVP doesn't recognize his diminished play from his previously elite level.

Rose has been critical of Hornacek in private, but no one in the Knicks locker room or management has expressed any issues with how Hornacek has coached Rose, unidentified league sources told Yahoo.

Rose has been inconsistent this season for a team that dropped to 17-21 with what, indeed, was a humiliating home loss to the Pelicans. Acquired in the offseason from the Bulls, Rose, 28, is averaging 17.3 points, 4.5 assists and 3.9 rebounds in 33 games this season.

According to Yahoo, the Knicks already were undecided about what kind of commitment to make to Rose in free agency this offseason. Now his failure to alert team officials ahead of his absence Monday not only left them livid but also embarrassed, Yahoo's sources said. (ESPN reported that "a family issue" in Chicago led to Rose's absence.)