Derrick Rose is set to test the waters of free agency after the New York Knicks declined to exercise their team option for the 2023-24 season.
This decision makes Rose a free agent, and the market for him should have plenty of options. The former 2011 NBA MVP is still a solid player that can help a contender compete for big things. According to Steve Popper of Newsday Sports, the Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, Phoenix Suns or Boston Celtics could become Rose’s new home in the league.
“There are contending teams — the Lakers, Suns, Celtics or even a return to his hometown Bulls — who could have minutes available at point guard for Rose.”
A move to the Lakers has been a possibility for Rose over the past couple of years. A return to the Bulls has always been in the cards for him, but he’s not trying to push anything. The Phoenix Suns showed interest in him during the season, but Rose made it clear he wanted to stay with the Knicks. The Celtics have good guards on their roster, so it’s hard to see why they would go after Rose.
Still, this player remains relevant around the league, and knowing that he’s 34, many teams will try to make a run for him this summer.
The Bulls Sound Like A Good Destination For Rose
Going back to the Bulls has been Rose’s desire since he was shockingly traded by the team in 2016. Following incredible seasons where he won the MVP award and became one of the top players in the association, injuries started coming for Rose, ultimately losing his explosiveness and his spot on the Bulls roster.
He knows he’ll be back at some point, but it’s unclear if now is the right moment. The Bulls are anything but competitive right now, and they have plenty of questions to answer this offseason in order to return to their best level. D-Rose will be ready to help them, but right now, he’s better off joining a different team.
