Derrick Rose buyout: Top 3 potential landing spots for former NBA MVP if he gets bought out by New York Knicks
Derrick Rose has been in the news lately after rumors of a possible buyout with the New York Knicks started emerging.
Although Rose denies having any buyout discussions with the team, the 34-year-old former MVP hasn't played more than three minutes since December 2022. So it's possible that the Knicks might not pick up their $15.6 million team option for 2023-24.
Rose has taken on a mentor role for the young squad, and many believe he could be on his way out. As reported by New York Post's Peter Botte, when asked about a potential buyout, Rose replied:
"No. Y’all heard something? I’ve just been locked in, doing my recovery. (I) talk to Thibs about the team, talk to Leon about the team, but other than that, I haven’t talked to them about (a buyout)."
Nevertheless, chatter suggests that he could be on the move, and a few teams would be interested in his services.
Potential destinations for Derrick Rose in case of buyout
Derrick Rose's full abilities aren't getting adequately utilized in New York. He hasn't been the player he was when he won the MVP award in Chicago but is still capable of playing decent minutes on a contender.
He is 34, and his veteran presence would help bolster bench production. For any team that needs leadership and playmaking off the bench, Rose would be a good fit. Many teams start to drop in production when their starters get rest. The 2011 MVP would enter with the second unit, calm things down and get the offense in order.
Here are a few possible teams Rose could play for next:
#1 Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns have already shown explicit interest in signing Derrick Rose if he gets bought out by the New York Knicks.
The Suns' rotation is expected to tighten with Kevin Durant joining the lineup soon, so suggesting that Rose would get minutes is a big deal. Chris Paul is 37 and has started to regress a bit. He's playing fewer minutes than last year, and his numbers have fallen across the board. He didn't make the All-Star team this season, and the Suns' roster looks lost without CP3 or Booker on the floor.
Suns eyeing Derrick Rose amid potential buyout from Knicks trib.al/ydhlVdL https://t.co/3y0374pjlW
The Suns could use a veteran point guard off the bench who would keep the team afloat when the starters get a breather. Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes has reported:
"After swinging the deal of the season in acquiring Kevin Durant at the 2023 trade deadline, the Phoenix Suns are now surveying the market for another ball-handler to assist Chris Paul and Cameron Payne, league sources tell Bleacher Report.
"However, there is a primary candidate the team is monitoring, according to sources: New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose. … A buyout still feels unlikely, but sources close to the situation don’t believe the door is completely shut on the possibility."
#2 New Orleans Pelicans
There's no chatter linking Derrick Rose to the Big Easy, but the New Orleans Pelicans need a veteran point guard.
CJ McCollum, who is best as a shooting guard, starts at the point for the team with Josh Richardson alongside him at the 2. Jose Alvarado, Trey Murphy III, Dyson Daniels and Kira Lewis Jr. is the maximum backcourt depth the Pelicans have. It isn't even far-fetched to say Rose could start for the team, and Richardson would be moved to the bench.
Pelicans need to get a STARTING point guard in free agency.
This team desperately needs some direction and leadership. They have all young players in the rotation, and sophomore Jose Alvarado is not a natural playmaker or scorer. In theory, Derrick Rose could do wonders for the team.
#3 Chicago Bulls
Could Derrick Rose be reunited with Chicago fans? The team has lost direction and needs to shake things up.
They were considered legitimate contenders last year, and many would argue that they would have gone deeper in the playoffs had they not got plagued by injuries. They're now 11th in the East, and if even they make the play-in tournament, the future doesn't look bright.
The Chicago Bulls shut down Lonzo Ball for a second consecutive season Tuesday as the point guard continues to struggle with discomfort and pain in his left knee. trib.al/vUbvFu1
Lonzo Ball hasn't been playing, while DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine cannot orchestrate the offense. Patrick Beverley is a defensive specialist but is not known for his playmaking abilities.
The team is a good point guard away from entering the playoffs. If Derrick Rose returns to the Chicago Bulls, he would provide the team with some offensive boost off the bench. He could also be a starter and help DeRozan and LaVine get great looks. The Windy City already loves him, and fans would love to see him in a Bulls jersey again.