3 Potential Derrick Rose Destinations
Derrick Rose is once again a free agent. The Knicks declined the 2011 MVP’s $15.6 million team option for the 2023-2024 season. It was a season to forget for Rose, who averaged career-low numbers across the board in only 27 games played amidst ankle problems. However, all signs point to the former No. 1 pick having an interest in playing for a while despite being 34-years-old. With all that in mind, what makes the most sense? Here are three potential free agent destinations.
No. 1: The Knicks
A reunion with the Knicks is still potentially on the cards. The fans at MSG absolutely love Rose, and there is still a bond between him and head coach Tom Thibodeau. However, as things stand, it is a pretty crowded backcourt in New York City.
Jalen Brunson is undoubtedly the starter along with Quentin Grimes. Immanuel Quickley was a finalist for the sixth man of the year this season, and RJ Barrett is able to play both the 2 and the 3. The non-factor was Evan Fournier–he was basically frozen out of the rotation and will be moving on from Madison Square Garden this summer.
With things looking up on Madison Avenue for the first time forever, Rose may want to stay with a playoff team and play when called upon. However, there are probably more likely options at the time of writing, but a new deal is not entirely off the table.
No. 2: The Lakers
This should not come as a surprise. Rose briefly joined forces with LeBron James in Cleveland before being shipped out in the infamous 2018 Trade Deadline.
With D’Angelo Russell on the outskirts once again, the Lakers will need some veteran guard help, they did quite well in the draft by adding Jalen Hood-Schifino and Maxwell Lewis. Having someone show them the ropes to the professional game like Rose would likely be a welcome addition. Rose could certainly contribute off the bench, with the futures of Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura up in the air, adding a reinforcement like Rose on a cheap contract would be next to a no-brainer.
No. 3: The Bulls
How about a hometown reunion?
While the Bulls are not contenders like the Knicks and Lakers, there could be some interest among both sides. Chicago desperately needs backcourt help with Lonzo Ball to likely to miss all of next season. As well, Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu are restricted free agents. It remains to be seen how strongly they will pursue bringing Patrick Beverley back.
In any case, the Bulls are not set to start a full rebuild just yet. Rose might be the spark that ignites the franchise and helps them have a better showing in the playoffs than the past two years. With every guard’s future up in the air, there could certainly be a pathway to consistent minutes for Rose in the city he grew up in.
Derrick Rose has a pretty big decision ahead of him. Tomorrow is not promised in the NBA. There are few players who deserve a ring as much as the former MVP and his next stop in the league has the chance of also being his last.
Which teams do you think could be his possible destinations? Let us know in the comments!
