Derrick Rose is officially a free agent after the New York Knicks declined their $15.6 million option to him heading to the 2023-24 season. As such, there are already a handful of significant teams that will look to acquire the service of the former league MVP.
According to league insider Marc Stein, the Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee Bucks, and the Chicago Bulls are expected to pursue the veteran in free agency. But should he won’t be able to land on any other team, there is a chance that the Knicks may convince him to go back by signing a much lesser contract.
“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.”
Phoenix is desperately looking for floor generals in the wake of Chris Paul’s departure. The Bucks, for their part, are seeking more insurance guards under new mentor Adrian Griffin. And lastly, a reunion with the Bulls is truly special and would mean everything to the ex-superstar.
At 34 years of age and already enduring a declining game, Rose just has his own passion and eagerness to win a title as his primary motive to continue playing the game. All can only hope for his success after the touching story he carved in his career.