Confirmed: Rose Steps Away from NBA After Contract Buyout – Grizzlies Take the Blame

A shocking development hit the NBA world today: Derrick Rose, the former MVP and one of the league’s most beloved players, is stepping away from the Memphis Grizzlies, and potentially, from the NBA altogether. According to a report by insider Shams Charania, the Grizzlies have officially waived the 35-year-old veteran point guard, cutting short a contract that was set to expire next summer. While the news initially sparked outrage among fans, with many blaming the Grizzlies for letting Rose go, a new report from New York-based journalist Ian Begley revealed that Rose himself requested the release.

Although neither side has provided a clear explanation for the sudden exit, Rose is expected to announce his future plans in the coming days. Whether this will be the final chapter of Rose’s storied NBA career or a calculated move to join a new team for one last shot at a championship remains unclear.

In the meantime, speculation is swirling. Rose’s departure could be the prelude to his retirement from the NBA—a final farewell to the game that has defined him for over a decade. Alternatively, it’s possible that Rose sees no future for himself on a Grizzlies team that struggled last season and is looking to join a legitimate title contender as he nears the twilight of his career.

The Internet Has Spoken: Bulls, Celtics, Thunder, or Lakers?

Across social media platforms, fans and pundits alike have weighed in on where Rose might go next. Interestingly, few are linking this decision to an immediate retirement. Instead, most fans are holding out hope that Rose will sign with another NBA team, with the Chicago Bulls—a team where Rose spent his best years—being the most popular suggestion. Fans of the Boston Celtics, fresh off a championship win, are also advocating for their team to pick up Rose, along with supporters of the up-and-coming Oklahoma City Thunder.

Of course, no discussion of potential destinations would be complete without mention of the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the league’s most storied franchises and always a contender in any free agent rumor mill. If Rose does decide to continue his career, these teams might be ideal landing spots. Each of them either has a need for veteran leadership or could offer Rose the opportunity to chase a title in what could be his final season.

Rose’s Time in Memphis: What Went Wrong?

When Rose signed with the Grizzlies last summer, the hope was that he could serve as both a backup point guard and a mentor for young star Ja Morant. Unfortunately, things never quite came together. Due to injuries, suspensions, and other circumstances, Rose appeared in only 24 games during the 2023-24 season. He averaged 16.6 minutes per game, contributing 8 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. Though these numbers were respectable given his age and role, it was clear that Rose’s body was struggling to keep up with the grind of an NBA season.

Over the past three years, Rose has played a total of just 77 games, and while his skillset remains intact, his availability has become a major concern. The Grizzlies, who dealt with significant injuries throughout last season, likely saw Rose’s persistent health issues as a roadblock in their quest to build a more consistent and reliable bench unit.

Yet, despite his limited playing time, Rose’s presence on the court had a noticeable impact. In games where Rose played, the Grizzlies were only outscored by 3.8 points per 100 possessions. When he was off the floor, that number ballooned to 7.1 points per 100 possessions. These statistics suggest that Rose still had something to offer, though his inability to stay healthy limited his contribution.

Rebuilding the Grizzlies' Backup Guard Position

With Rose out of the picture, the Grizzlies now face the challenge of finding a new backup point guard for Ja Morant. One name that has already surfaced as a potential replacement is Scottie Pippen Jr., who signed a two-way contract with Memphis in January. Pippen played 21 games last season, starting 16 of them, and averaged 12.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.7 steals per game, while shooting an impressive 41.7% from beyond the arc.

In this year’s summer league, Pippen’s performance only fueled calls for him to be promoted to a full-time roster spot. He posted averages of 20.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 7.8 assists, and 3.3 steals per game, showcasing the skill set and poise that could make him a valuable contributor for the Grizzlies moving forward.

Salary cap expert Bobby Marks noted that converting Pippen’s two-way deal into a full-time contract would be a smart move for Memphis, especially considering the team’s need for depth at the guard position.

Another option for the Grizzlies could be to look at Markelle Fultz, the No. 1 pick from the 2017 NBA Draft. Fultz, who is only 26 years old, has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career but remains a talented playmaker when on the court. Having played for both the Philadelphia 76ers and the Orlando Magic, Fultz has averaged 11.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.2 steals per game over six seasons. However, he remains unsigned as of now, and with few opportunities left in the NBA, joining the Grizzlies might be his best chance to continue his career.

The Free-Agent Market: Options Beyond Fultz

Fultz is not the only notable name still available in the free-agent market. Other players like Robert Covington, Jae Crowder, Bismack Biyombo, and Danilo Gallinari could provide value to teams in need of veteran depth. However, none of these players address the Grizzlies' specific need for a backup point guard.

Given the options available, it seems likely that Memphis will either look to Pippen Jr. or sign a player like Fultz to fill the void left by Rose’s departure. Either way, the Grizzlies need to act quickly, as preseason is just weeks away and the team will want to solidify its roster as soon as possible.

Derrick Rose: The Rise and Fall of a Legend

Derrick Rose’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary. As the youngest MVP in NBA history, Rose captivated the basketball world with his explosive athleticism, silky handles, and fearless drives to the basket. His early years with the Chicago Bulls were the stuff of legend, with Rose leading the team to the best record in the league and making deep playoff runs. However, his career has also been defined by devastating injuries.

After suffering a torn ACL in the 2012 playoffs, Rose’s career trajectory was altered. He missed the entire 2012-13 season and returned the following year as a shadow of his former self. Despite several attempts to regain his All-Star form, Rose’s career became a series of stops and starts. Since leaving the Bulls in 2016, he has played for six different teams over a span of seven years, often serving as a backup point guard or veteran presence in the locker room.

Despite these setbacks, Rose has enjoyed several moments of brilliance, most notably his 50-point performance with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2018—a game that reduced Rose to tears and served as a reminder of what he once was. His journey has been one of resilience, perseverance, and a love for the game that kept him going even when the odds seemed stacked against him.

Now, at 35, Rose finds himself at a crossroads once again. His body may no longer allow him to play at the level he once did, but his mind and heart are still very much invested in the game. Whether he chooses to retire or continue his career elsewhere, Rose will leave behind a legacy that few can match.

As the saying goes, "A flower that once bloomed may never return to its peak, but it will always be remembered for its beauty." Whatever Derrick Rose decides, fans around the world will respect his choice and appreciate the joy he has brought to the NBA over the past 15 years.