NEWSLETTER
While Derrick Rose’s reunion in Chicago will have to wait, his reunion in Memphis is reportedly a full go.
Despite some rumors connecting Rose back to the point-guard-needy Bulls this offseason, SNY’s Ian Begley has shared that the former MVP is expected to ink a multi-year deal with the Memphis Grizzlies. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski went on to echo Begley’s report, stating that Rose will sign a two-year contract.
Of course, Rose’s rise up the NBA ranks began during his one season at the University of Memphis. During the 2007-08 season, Rose led his 38-2 Tigers team to the NCAA championship game before they fell to the Kansas Jayhawks. His stellar play jolted him to the top of draft boards, leading to his iconic selection by his hometown Chicago Bulls.
Rose only appeared in 27 games for the New York Knicks this past season. He also failed to play more than 26 the year before. With that being the case, there are real questions about how much he might have left in the tank as he enters his 16th year in the league. But ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Grizzlies do plan to make Rose a part of their rotation. He’ll also surely serve as a strong locker-room presence for a very young team.
If one thing is for sure, the Grizzlies will have minutes to offer Rose over at least the first couple of months of the season. Ja Morant was suspended 25 games earlier this summer for his off-court antics. It will be up to Derrick Rose to help ensure the Grizzlies – who finished 2nd in the West this season – can stay afloat.
