In the least surprising news of the offseason thus far, the New York Knicks declined Derrick Rose’s $15.6 million player option for 2023-24. The 34-year-old guard is set to be an unrestricted free agent.
There are a couple of different paths that Rose could take, including one that would see him return to New York on a cheaper deal. However, rather than continue to be out of Tom Thibodeau’s rotation, Rose could opt to join a team where he would be a contributor on the court.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported (subscription required) that Phoenix, Milwaukee, and Chicago are expected to pursue Rose in free agency. Two of those three teams would give the guard a good shot at winning his first ring, while the other would allow him to go back home to where his NBA career started.
Suns, Bucks, Bulls listed as teams that could go after Knicks’ Derrick Rose
All three of those teams have been linked to Derrick Rose in the past, with the Bucks reportedly being interested in trading for him ahead of the February deadline. When it was rumored that the Knicks could buy out Rose’s contract after the deadline, the Suns were reported as one of the former MVP’s potential landing spots.
Rose could go play with two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee under new head coach Adrian Griffin, or join a Suns team that has pushed all of their chips on the table to go after their first title under new head coach Frank Vogel. Bulls fans would love to have Rose back in Chicago, but the organization’s uncertainty could be enough to keep the guard away. After all, the Bulls could finally decide to start to tear things down this offseason.
The Knicks hold Rose in high regard, so if he doesn’t sign elsewhere, the veteran could be back in New York for another season. It’s safe to say that Knicks fans would like to see Derrick Rose get a shot at winning a ring, though.
Predicting where each New York Knicks free agent will play in 2023-24
The New York Knicks have a handful of key players set to hit 2023 NBA Free Agency, and here is where they may be playing on opening night next season.