Suddenly Released! At 35, Is Derrick Rose’s Next Stop Retirement?

In a surprising move this morning, the Memphis Grizzlies have decided to part ways with former NBA MVP Derrick Rose. Renowned reporter Shams Charania broke the news, with sources revealing that the Grizzlies will be releasing the veteran point guard. The situation took a slight twist when New York-based journalist Ian Begley followed up, stating that Rose requested the release, and the team agreed to mutually part ways. Begley also reported that Rose is expected to announce his future plans sometime next week.

Regardless of whether Rose initiated this move or not, being released at this stage of his career, with just under a month before the preseason begins, is a tough situation. Rose had joined the Grizzlies on a two-year, fully guaranteed $6.5 million deal last offseason. At the time, the signing was viewed as a strategic move not only for his on-court skills but for the leadership he could bring to the locker room. Rose was expected to mentor young star Ja Morant, providing veteran guidance in an environment that desperately needed it. Fans had even playfully dubbed the duo “Guns N’ Roses,” after the famous rock band, given Morant’s high-energy style and Rose’s history as a superstar.

However, after this release, the era of “Guns N’ Roses” has come to an end before it even truly began. Hoops, a prominent American sports media outlet, even joked on social media, “The era of ‘Guns N’ Roses’ is officially over.”

Rose’s Short Stint with the Grizzlies: Promise Never Fulfilled

The promise of Rose’s time in Memphis never materialized as many had hoped. Due to a combination of injuries, suspensions, and limited opportunities, Rose played only 24 games in the entire 2023-24 season. Of those, he started in just seven and came off the bench in the other 17. He averaged 16.6 minutes per game, contributing 8 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. His shooting splits were decent—46.1% from the field, 36.6% from three, and 88.9% from the free-throw line—but these numbers were spread across an extremely limited sample size.

The Grizzlies as a whole were plagued with injuries last season. Nearly every key player found themselves sidelined at one point or another, particularly during the final stretch of the season. Rose was no exception, missing large portions of time due to his own physical limitations. Despite these challenges, his impact on the court was measurable. In games Rose participated in, the Grizzlies were only outscored by 3.8 points per 100 possessions with him on the floor. In contrast, that number jumped to 7.1 points per 100 possessions when he was off the floor. Although this stat suggests a positive impact, it’s important to note that it comes from a small sample size and in constantly shifting lineups. Still, it was clear that Rose could still make a difference when healthy.

The problem, as has been the case throughout the last several years of Rose’s career, has been his availability. Over the past three seasons, Rose has appeared in just 77 games. At 35 years old, that’s a troubling trend. For the Grizzlies, it’s likely that Rose’s low availability combined with their need for more consistent production from the backup point guard spot led to the decision to release him.

What’s Next for Memphis?

With Rose gone, Memphis will need to reconsider their depth at the point guard position. The team does have other options on the roster. One possibility is converting Scottie Pippen Jr.'s two-way contract into a full-time deal, giving the Grizzlies another developmental option behind Ja Morant and Marcus Smart. Alternatively, the Grizzlies could look to the free-agent market, though viable options at the point guard position are limited.

One name that might come up is Markelle Fultz, the former No. 1 overall pick, who has had a tough summer and still remains unsigned. Like Rose, Fultz has dealt with injuries throughout his career but has shown flashes of brilliance when healthy. Whether the Grizzlies take that route or not remains to be seen, but the sudden departure of Rose leaves a notable gap in their depth chart.

What’s Next for Derrick Rose?

Perhaps the bigger question is what lies ahead for Rose himself. At 35 years old, Rose is nearing the twilight of his career. This is not the first time that retirement has been on the horizon for the veteran guard. Back in the 2017-18 season, Rose experienced a similar situation while playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers. During a rough stint with the Cavs, Rose temporarily left the team to contemplate his future, prompting widespread speculation that he might walk away from the game. He eventually returned and was later traded to the Utah Jazz, only to be waived and end up finding new life with the Minnesota Timberwolves under coach Tom Thibodeau.

It was during his time in Minnesota that Rose had one of his most memorable moments in recent years. On Halloween night in 2018, Rose dropped 50 points in a game against the Utah Jazz, a career-high for him since his MVP days. The sight of Rose breaking down in tears after the game, overwhelmed by emotion, is something many NBA fans still remember vividly. That game marked his return to form, but more importantly, it rekindled his love for the game after years of injury struggles and disappointment.

Given this history, it's understandable that fans and analysts alike are now questioning whether Rose will retire following this latest release. After all, he’s now nearly 36 years old, and the last three years have been marred by injury and inconsistency. While Rose is still an efficient player when he’s on the court, the reality is that staying on the court has become increasingly difficult for him.

The Harsh Reality of Today’s NBA Free Agency

What makes this timing even more difficult for Rose is the current state of NBA free agency. The 2023 offseason has been particularly unkind to veteran guards. Players like Tyus Jones, who had just come off a stellar season with the Washington Wizards, found themselves settling for minimum contracts after months on the open market. Even Fultz, a former No. 1 overall pick, remains unsigned.

Rose’s age, position, and recent injury history work against him. The fact that he has played just 77 games over the past three seasons only makes it more challenging for him to secure a new contract, especially when teams have already filled their rosters for the upcoming season. Most contending teams that could use a veteran point guard like Rose have already filled out their depth charts or are in the process of evaluating younger players on two-way contracts. With only a few weeks until preseason begins, Rose finds himself in a precarious position.

Is Retirement on the Horizon?

Given all these factors, it’s hard not to wonder if Rose might be considering retirement. While he hasn't explicitly stated this, it wouldn’t be the first time he’s mulled stepping away from the game. The similarities between this situation and his time with the Cavaliers are striking. Just as he did in 2017, Rose may take some time to assess his options before making a final decision.

At the same time, many fans would find it hard to believe that Rose is done. His remarkable comeback story in Minnesota, along with his emotional 50-point game, has endeared him to basketball fans everywhere. Even though he’s not the explosive athlete he once was, Rose has managed to adapt his game to be effective in a limited role. The question now is whether his body can continue to handle the grind of an NBA season and whether Rose himself still has the desire to continue playing.

For now, all eyes are on Rose’s next move. Whether he decides to continue his career or hang up his sneakers for good, one thing is clear: Derrick Rose has had an unforgettable journey in the NBA. From being the youngest MVP in league history to battling through countless injuries and returning to the court time and time again, Rose has nothing left to prove. However, fans around the league will be hoping that this isn’t the end and that we’ll see Rose back on the court for at least one more season.