Report: Former MVP could return to Knicks if free agent interest doesn't materialize

Derrick Rose is leaving the New York Knicks. The Eastern Conference franchise recently turned down their team option on his current contract. Since the news broke, Rose has been linked with a string of teams around the league. As a former MVP who has continued to provide an impact off the bench, Rose still has fans around the NBA.

Should Rose struggle to find a new home this summer, there is a chance he could return to New York's roster. According to Marc Stein, the Knicks would entertain the veteran guard remaining with their team if he took a pay cut. 

"Phoenix, Milwaukee, and Chicago have all quickly been cited as teams expected to have a level of interest in former MVP Derrick Rose after the Knicks declined to pick up their $15.6 million team option on Rose for next season," Stein wrote. "The Knicks are likewise expected to ask Rose to return at a lower number if he does not sign elsewhere."

Rose is no longer the explosive athlete that took the NBA by storm. He has, however, redeveloped his game and continually found a way to be an impactful rotation player. 

With Rose's experience and microwave scoring ability, multiple contending teams will have an interest in his services. Although, Rose may be better suited sticking with Tom Thibodeau and the Knicks. Although, age caught up with the veteran guard this year, as he played in just 29 games for New York, and teams may find that concerning.

Thibodeau has been Rose's head coach for the majority of his playing career. The player-coach dynamic is already there, and expectations are already set. With New York, Rose could get playing time while having a limited enough role to remain healthy throughout the season. There's no guarantee other franchises are going to limit Rose's involvement on a game-to-game basis. 

Rose might need to take a pay cut, but staying with the Knicks could be the best thing for him at this late stage in his career.