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Derrick Rose was a positive veteran presence with the Knicks for over two seasons. Now he’ll join a team that not only desperately needs his leadership, but also his point-guard minutes during Ja Morant’s suspension.
Rose, 34, agreed Friday to a two-year deal with the Memphis Grizzlies, according to multiple reports. The former MVP, who was sent into free agency after the Knicks declined his contract option, joins a potential title contender besieged last season by immaturity. The most glaring issue was Morant’s behavior with firearms and an alleged assault.
The 23-year-old is suspended the first 25 games of next season, leaving an opening for Rose in the rotation for at least the first two months.
Rose became a regular DNP with the Knicks after his longtime coach, Tom Thibodeau, pulled him from the rotation in favor of Jalen Brunson, Immanuel Quickley, Quentin Grimes and Miles McBride.
[ Stefan Bondy: NBA commish Adam Silver predictably went soft on Ja Morant with a 25-game ban ]
Rose played less than a combined five minutes after New Year’s Eve, averaging just 5.6 points over 27 games. Toward the end of the campaign, he insultingly turned into a human victory cigar when fans at MSG chanted for his appearance during garbage time.
Then last week, the Knicks declined Rose’s $15.5 million team option for next season. It symbolized the end of a rollercoaster stint that started with great promise but was derailed by ankle surgery in 2022.
The Grizzlies won 51 games last season but bombed in the first round after Morant’s issues surfaced and Dillon Brooks’ trash-talking turned toxic. Brooks is a free agent and won’t return to Memphis.
[ Knicks free agency target Donte DiVincenzo scheduled to meet with four teams ]
Otherwise, the Grizzlies have one of the league’s best young talent with Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane.
