The Phoenix Suns, Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks have all been cited as teams expected to have a level of interest in Derrick Rose after the New York Knicks declined to pick up their $15.6 million team option on the former MVP for next season, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
The Knicks are expected to ask Rose to return at a lower number if he does not sign elsewhere.
“Phoenix, Milwaukee and Chicago have all quickly been cited as teams expected to have a level of interest in former MVP Derrick Rose after the Knicks declined to pick up their $15.6 million team option on Rose for next season,” Stein wrote. “The Knicks are likewise expected to ask Rose to return at a lower number if he does not sign elsewhere.”
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.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Derrick Rose, New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls & Phoenix Suns Updates
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.
The Sacramento Kings and Bucks were interested in trading for Rose at the 2023 February trade deadline, while the Suns would have pursued the former Bulls superstar if he reached a buyout agreement with the Knicks.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Derrick Rose, New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls & Phoenix Suns Updates
It’s unknown if the Kings 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.
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