Grizzlies are set to waive this former NBA MVP

The Grizzlies plan to waive veteran point guard Derrick Rose, sources tell Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Rose had one year left on the two-year, veteran’s minimum contract he signed with Memphis last offseason. According to Ian Begley of SNY TV, Rose requested to be released from his contract. Expect the former MVP to provide an update on his status later in the week, Begley adds.

Rose had been expected to battle for playing time behind starting point guard Ja Morant. Memphis’ decision to waive Rose may signal that it will offer a standard contract to Scotty Pippen Jr., who is currently on a two-way deal. However, the Grizzlies will likely target more depth at that position, according to Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal.

There are some veteran point men still on the free agent market, including Markelle Fultz and Dennis Smith Jr.

Rose, who turns 36 next month, only appeared in 24 games with the Grizzlies last season, including seven starts. He averaged 8.0 points and 3.3 assists in 16.6 minutes. He battled knee, hamstring, ankle and back ailments last season. 

He hasn’t appeared in more than 27 games over the last three seasons after playing in a combined 50 games with Detroit and New York in 2020-21.