Former MVP Derrick Rose could return to the New York Knicks on a cheaper contract, according to NBA insider Fred Katz of The Athletic.
The Knicks declined Rose’s $15.6 million team option, so the three-time All-Star becomes an unrestricted free agent on June 30.
“Just because the Knicks declined Rose’s team option doesn’t mean they can’t bring him back next season, Katz wrote. “New York is not closing the door on re-signing Rose to a cheaper contract, a league source told The Athletic, even though the team employs three point guards already: Jalen Brunson, Immanuel Quickley and Miles McBride.”
Rose signed a three-year, $43.6 million contract with the Knicks in August 2021. The Memphis product has only played in 53 games since signing that contract, averaging 8.7 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists.
D-Rose appeared in 26 games in 2021-22 before undergoing season-ending ankle surgery and only 27 games this past season. He was removed from the playing rotation in early December. Rose averaged a career-low 5.6 points in 2022-23.
Since Rose has a close relationship with Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau, it’s possible the Chicago native could re-sign with the Knicks. However, if Rose wants to play, he probably needs to leave New York since the team has several guards ahead of him in the rotation.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Derrick Rose & New York Knicks Updates
The Sacramento Kings and Milwaukee Bucks were interested in trading for Rose at the 2023 February trade deadline, while the Phoenix Suns would have pursued the former Chicago Bulls superstar if he reached a buyout agreement with the Knicks.
It’s unknown if the Kings, Bucks or Suns will go after Rose once free agency starts on June 30.
The 34-year-old Rose has career averages of 17.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists with the Bulls, Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Detroit Pistons. He turns 35 in October. It will be fascinating to see if Rose lands with a team this summer, re-signs with the Knicks or retires from the NBA.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Derrick Rose & New York Knicks Updates
During the 2010-11 season, Rose became the youngest MVP in NBA history with his hometown Bulls. He averaged 25.0 points, 4.1 rebounds and 7.7 assists and led Chicago to the best record in the NBA.
The Bulls made it to the 2011 Eastern Conference Finals, where they lost to LeBron James and the Miami Heat in five games.
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