5 potential landing spots for Derrick Rose after Grizzlies release 16-year NBA veteran
As reported by Shams Charania, the Memphis Grizzlies have decided to waive former NBA MVP Derrick Rose just days ahead of training camp. Rose signed a two-year deal with the Grizzlies but only saw limited minutes after suffering several injuries that limited him to only 24 games last season.
Rose, who will turn 36 on Oct. 4 and whose career has been hampered by several injuries, isn't quite the same player he was in his prime. However, he can still make an impact in the right environment. Here are a few teams that could sign Derrick Rose to a deal.
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5 teams that could sign Derrick Rose after he was waived by the Grizzlies
#1 Chicago Bulls
The most obvious answer for where should Derrick Rose go next is the Chicago Bulls. He started his career there, he won his MVP award there and all three of his All-Star nods were while he was a member of the Bulls.
Returning to where it all started for Rose would be the perfect way for his career to come to an end. Even though it is unlikely that he'll win a title there.
With the Bulls, Rose averaged 19.7 points and 6.2 assists per game in 406 games between 2008 and 2016.
#2 LA Lakers
Adding Derrick Rose is unlikely to propel the LA Lakers to the top of the West but it adds a veteran presence who could be a third-string point guard. Rose could settle into a favorable role where he won't be required to play heavy minutes but could still come in as a sparkplug.
Additionally, the Lakers front office could become aggressive before the trade deadline once they identify their needs to help LeBron James win another title. This will benefit Rose as he would be part of a unit determined to contend for a title.
#3 OKC Thunder
The OKC Thunder have a lot of young talent including a potential future MVP in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. However, the Thunder lacks a veteran presence who will help the team remain level in difficult circumstances.
These things make signing Derrick Rose the perfect move. He is a former MVP and could directly impart wisdom to SGA on his quest to get this prestigious award. Rose has also faced tough trials and has persevered through them which is a lesson he can teach the young Thunder core.
#4 Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets still have their stars and are still contenders but they have gotten weaker after their 2022-23 NBA title. Denver has lost their x-factors in Bruce Brown and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
Adding Derrick Rose won't make up for the void that these two players left behind. However, he could play a key role for the Nuggets as they try to get another title. Yes, Russell Westbrook already fills the role of Jamal Murray's backup but that does not mean Rose will be out of place.
When Michael Malone needs an injection of offense, he could plug Rose into the lineup while Murray is on the court. That way, he becomes an off-ball threat who could get sneaky baskets off backdoor passes from Nikola Jokic while others are spacing the floor.
#5 Minnesota Timberwolves
The Chicago Bulls aren't the only team Derrick Rose could return to. He could also go back to the Minnesota Timberwolves where he scored a career-high 50 points on Oct. 31, 2018.
Nostalgia isn't the only reason for Rose's possible return to the Wolves. He can also win a title with the team. The Wolves have one of the best young stars in Anthony Edwards and one of the most well-rounded supporting casts in the league.
Rose could become part of that squad on a quest to win his first NBA title. With the Wolves, Rose averaged 16.2 points and 3.9 assists per game in 60 games between 2018 and 2019.