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Knicks’ Derrick Rose’s suspected next team shouldn’t come as a surprise

By Jordanna Clark

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 03: Derrick Rose #4 of the New York Knicks in action against the Dallas Mavericks at Madison Square Garden on December 03, 2022 in New York City NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Dallas Mavericks defeated the New York Knicks 121-100. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 03: Derrick Rose #4 of the New York Knicks in action against the Dallas Mavericks at Madison Square Garden on December 03, 2022 in New York City NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Dallas Mavericks defeated the New York Knicks 121-100. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks haven’t yet declined Derrick Rose’s $15.6 million team option for the 2023-24 season but it’s a move that the organization is expected to make. Rose averaged a career-low 5.6 points and played only 27 games in 2022-23 even though he entered the season healthy.

The 34-year-old wasn’t traded ahead of the deadline nor was he bought out by the Knicks, and he seemed happy to hang around in New York for the entirety of the season. He embraced a key leadership role for the Knicks although he wasn’t producing on the court. Rose even got some playoff minutes in the first round after fans at MSG were chanting his name.

Regardless of how much New York loves Rose, there isn’t a need to pay nearly $16 million to a player that isn’t going to be in the rotation. As bittersweet as it’ll be, all signs are pointing toward Rose’s time with the Knicks coming to an end soon.

There is no way of knowing which team Rose will end up on if New York declines his option, which would allow for him to enter free agency. However, it wouldn’t be surprising if he were to end up where his career started in 2008.

Where will Derrick Rose go next if Knicks decline his $15.6 million team option?

HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto said that the Bulls would “make a ton of sense for Derrick Rose in free agency.” Rose hasn’t indicated that he’s going to retire soon, but with his career presumably going to an end sooner rather than later, it would be fitting for him to end it in Chicago where he won MVP in 2011.

Scotto said that Rose would be “an excellent bridge as a veteran mentor to some of the young guys on that roster.” That’s the role that he’s played in New York. With Chicago hoping to gain recognition as one of the top teams in the conference, Rose’s leadership would be valuable, especially to Coby White if he re-signs with the Bulls as a restricted free agent.

Chicago should welcome Derrick Rose back home with open arms after seven years if (or when) he hits free agency this summer.

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