All good things, as they say, must indeed come to an end. Derrick Rose and his time with the New York Knicks is winding down after he sat out most of the 2022–23 campaign. According to Fred Katz of The Athletic, the Knicks have decided against exercising their $15.6 million contract option on the 2010–11 NBA MVP.
The fact that Rose remained on New York’s roster for the entirety of last season surprised many. NBA fans are still talking a lot about Derrick Rose’s potential free agency.
Why Knicks rejected the $15M Rose deal?
Early in December, head coach Tom Thibodeau took him off of the starting lineup, and he only participated in one game after December 31. To his chagrin and much credit, Rose accepted the change well and expressed his gratitude for the chance to play in the NBA.
Just before free agency, the New York Knicks are anticipated to split ways with a fan favorite. Derrick Rose, the 2011 NBA MVP, is now an unrestricted free agent after the Knicks rejected his $15.6 million team option, according to Steve Popper of Newsday.
D-Rose is set to hit free agency after the Knicks declined his $15.6M team option for next season, per multiple reports
Where will he play next? 👀 pic.twitter.com/LsUmHqEOli
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 24, 2023
“Rose was beloved by (head coach Tom Thibodeau) and the organization, had a diminished role on the court but was a pro throughout his benching, a voice in the locker room, and this will give him a chance to explore available opportunities,” Popper tweeted. Rose, 34, would probably go for a contract in free agency that is near to the veteran’s minimum, but there is still a chance that he may join the Knicks again.
“The door is not closed on a Rose return,” Popper added. “He could come back on a vet minimum deal. But with (Jalen) Brunson, (Immanuel) Quickley, and (Miles) McBride he likely has a better opportunity with some other contenders who need a point guard.” Despite not being a regular starter for the New York Knicks this season, Rose said he still thinks he’s improving.
Which team should Derrick Rose go to?
The Houston Rockets are poised for a breakthrough season after recently appointing Ime Udoka as head coach. Although they probably won’t make a run to the NBA Finals as the Miami Heat did, the team’s young core is poised to make headlines for the first time in a while. The squad could use some senior leadership, especially with a rising young star like Jalen Green on the roster.
If the Knicks choose not to exercise his team option, Houston might be the destination of Derrick Rose’s free-agent transfer. Rose made merely 27 appearances for the NY Knicks last season and that too averaging at a career-low 5.6 points per game.
He was taken out of the starting lineup in December and played in just one regular season game in the new year, entering the game late in a victory over New Orleans in February to thunderous applause. Three teams that could benefit from Rose’s abilities in free agency are The Lakers, Phoenix ‘Rattlers’ Suns, and Lob City Clippers.
Given the positive reaction he received upon his return to United Center as a Knick in December, it’s also possible that Derrick Rose will make a comeback with the Chicago Bulls, his hometown team that selected him as the No. 1 overall choice in 2008.
