Former NBA MVP Derrick Rose ‘will become a free agent after the New York Knicks decline to pick up his $15.6million player option’
- Rose, 34, played a limited role on coach Tom Thibodeau’s roster due to injuries
- The 2011 NBA MVP hasn’t played over 51 games in any season since 2016-17
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The New York Knicks are not picking up the option on veteran point guard Derrick Rose’s contract for 2023-24, Newsday reported on Saturday.
Rose, 34, will enter free agency if the Knicks decline their $15.6million option for the three-time All-Star and former league MVP.
Rose played a limited role on coach Tom Thibodeau’s squad last season, averaging 5.6 points and 12.5 minutes in 27 games off the bench.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, Rose has career averages of 17.7 points, 5.3 assists and 3.3 rebounds in 699 games (511 starts) with the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons and Knicks.Â
He was Rookie of the Year in 2008-09 and MVP the following season.
The Knicks 34-year-old veteran guard Derrick Rose could return to NYC on a reduced salary
The Knicks could try to bring Rose back at a reduced salary, per the report.Â
He has not played more than 51 games in any season since 2016-17.Â
Rose has only played in five minutes of action since the new year, including three in Game 3 of the first round of the playoffs against the Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden.Â
Rose has only played five minutes of NBA action since December 31 due to recurring injuries
The Knicks could also lose wing Josh Hart if he doesn’t use his player option by Saturday night
The Knicks could have used its team option to include another expiring deal in trade talks, but by releasing Rose, they will be eligible to allocate a $12.2M exception in free agency this offseason.Â
Meanwhile, Knicks wing Josh Hart has until 11.59 p.m. on Saturday to decide if he wants to activate his $12.9M player option.Â
Hart, who was traded to New York from the Trail Blazers at the NBA trade deadline in February, said after the Knicks’ elimination from the playoffs that he would ‘probably’ the option and become a free agent.Â
However, the 28-year-old has previously opened up on his desire to stay longer in the Big Apple.
It remains to be seen if the Knicks will offer a better deal than the player’s expiring three-year, $37.9M contract, which includes $24.9M in guaranteed money.