Chicago Bulls Make Decision On Retiring Derrick Rose's Jersey

Earlier this week, Derrick Rose told ESPN that he'd love to have his jersey retired by the Chicago Bulls. Well, it didn't take long for the franchise to respond.  

On Saturday morning, ESPN insider Shams Charania revealed that Rose's jersey will be retired during the 2025-26 season. An exact date hasn't been set yet, but the United Center will be packed on that special night. Rose wasn't just another All-Star who played for the Bulls, he gave the entire city of Chicago hope at a time where the franchise needed it most.  

"The Chicago Bulls will retire Derrick Rose’s No. 1 jersey in the rafters next season, ESPN has learned," Charania wrote. "Rose, a Chicago native, played eight seasons with the Bulls, becoming the youngest MVP in NBA history, and is now being honored as a fabric of the organization."

Rose, the No. 1 pick from the 2008 NBA Draft, had an exceptional run with the Bulls. In his MVP season, he averaged 25.0 points and 7.7 assists per game. Overall, he averaged 19.7 points per game during his tenure in the Windy City. 

As you'd expect, NBA fans are thrilled about this decision. They believe it's been a long time coming for Rose, who earned All-Star honors three times in Chicago. 

Rose definitely feels the same way. During his interview with ESPN, he said getting his number retired would cement his legacy as one of the greats from his generation. 

"That would be my way of getting close to the Top 75, and I'm only saying that because it relates to the MVP," Rose said. "It's only a handful, a small group that got that trophy back there. And to think that way of playing, the Chicago way of playing, is not in that 75, it makes you think about it a little bit or question it a little bit."