Report: Three teams expected to pursue former MVP in free agency

Three-time All-Star Derrick Rose had his $15.6M team option declined by the New York Knicks on Saturday, making him an unrestricted free agent this summer.  

Rose, 34, was integral to the Knicks' run to the playoffs in 2021 but fell out of HC Tom Thibodeau's rotation in December. In 27 games off the bench last season, the former MVP averaged 5.6 points and 1.7 assists. While he hasn't hinted at what his future holds, Rose can still be an asset to a team on the court and as a locker-room presence.

Most likely, the 14-year veteran will continue playing, and according to NBA Insider Marc Stein, Rose has a few intriguing potential suitors in free agency. 

Though a Rose-Knicks reunion shouldn't be ruled out if the price is right, Stein noted that the Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns and Chicago Bulls are "expected to" show interest.

"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 $15.6M team option on Rose for next season," Stein wrote on his Substack. "The Knicks are likewise expected to ask Rose to return at a lower number if he does not sign elsewhere."

Depending on how much Rose values winning a championship this far into his career Phoenix and Milwaukee both could provide him with that opportunity. 

However, if he wants to have a significant role on a title-contending team, the Suns should be his top choice. Phoenix will likely have to fill out its bench with multiple veteran minimum contracts after taking on Bradley Beal's massive contract. 

Even so, should Rose value playing time over playing for a contender, a return to his hometown Bulls, the team he began his professional career with, would be fitting. 

Chicago has already ruled out Lonzo Ball, who hasn't played since January 2022 with a knee injury, for next season, so Rose could be a viable reserve for the team.

In seven seasons with the Bulls, Rose averaged 19.7 points and 6.2 assists per game, taking home the MVP Award in 2011.

As the most beloved Bull since Michael Jordan, fans would undoubtedly welcome Rose back to the Windy City. When New York visited the United Center last season, Rose was greeted with an incredible standing ovation upon checking into the Knicks' blowout win. 

Shortly thereafter, the crowd erupted again as Rose nailed a three-pointer to put New York up by 20.