Veteran point guard and former NBA MVP Derrick Rose is currently seeking a new team, and it looks like he will find a new home soon, industry insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN revealed.
Sources indicate that the Memphis Grizzlies released the 35-year-old player, cutting his tenure with the team way short of the team's expected conclusion to his two-year deal, which has one year left at $3.4 million for the 2024-25 season.
Rose's recent Instagram post went viral a few hours after posting, sparking fan discussions about his rumored retirement from the pro basketball scene.
Grizzlies Waive Derrick Rose
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Ian Begley of SNY TV, Memphis will decline its 2023-24 non-taxpayer mid-level exception to use this exemption to buy out Rose from his deal and make him a free agent. The All-Star-three had a bad season with knee and hamstring injuries. The former point guard star played in 24 games but never once in more than five consecutive games.
Like every cloud has a silver lining, so did the league's with Rose. He indicated that he would return for a 17th season with the NBA and presumably long-term with Memphis, but the Grizzlies had other plans.
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Rose's Cryptic Post Convinces Fans of His Retirement
Rose went to Instagram Wednesday night and published a cryptic video captioned "The Renascence 9.26.24." The post immediately began trending, picking up over 137,000 likes in only 22 hours.
Fanatics and analysts alike were quick to speculate the significance of the post, with many asking if Rose was hinting at retirement after playing in the NBA for 15 seasons.
As spotted by Sports Illustrated, Rose's fan account @DerrickRoseMuse says that if this is the end of Rose's NBA career, they are okay with it. The account added that he has proved to the world how much he enjoys playing the game and proved all doubters wrong.
Nothing much has been said regarding the viral Instagram post, but this has fueled speculations that Rose may hang up his sneakers.
Derrick Rose's Performance with the Grizzlies
According to Bleacher Report, however, he was there in Memphis just for a short time but made use of that to relight flashes of his former brilliance.
The 35-year-old cager played 24 games of the 2023-24 season with averages of 8.0 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. He could also shoot at 46.1% field and 36.6% from three-point distance.
While Derrick Rose was confined to the court mainly by injuries, the veteran can still prove he has something to offer.
What's Next for Derrick Rose?
Still, the talk about his retirement has not resulted in any official statements from the expected legend that he wants to retire. In April, he said he would be back in 2025, indicating he has something to compete in the top level of competition.
"Yes, I'm coming back. I talked to [general manager] Zach [Kleiman], I talked to coach. ... This summer, it's all about attacking my rehabs, my workouts and continuing to be disciplined," Rose said.
With little doubt, teams will be interested if Rose wants to continue his NBA career because he won't be that explosive MVP scoring machine he once used to be. Still, there is experience and leadership with a playmaking ability that most rosters can use.
Contenders looking for a veteran point guard to help make the final push might view Rose as part of the addition needed to the locker room.
While his quest for an NBA title has not been easy, team success will give him a chance to avail himself of the ring.
The Continuing Legend's Journey
Derrick Rose has stood out in his journey through the NBA due to his perseverance, will, and undeniable talent. And while the basketball world waits for his next move, retirement, or another season on the court, Rose has already cemented his legacy. From being the youngest NBA Season MVP to his struggles against injuries, the former Chicago Bulls guard continues to show the world that he is a fighter and loves the game.
Whatever Derrick Rose goes on to do, it can at least be said that he will always leave his mark on the NBA and its viewers.
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