And sources in the league confirmed that the Knicks rejected the $ 15.6 million option for veteran guard Derrick Rose the athlete on saturday. Here’s what you need to know:
- Rose didn’t start a game for New York last season and only played in 27, averaging 12.5 minutes in those contests.
- Rose averaged a career-low 5.6 points last season, adding 1.7 assists and 1.5 rebounds per game.
- With this move, Rose reaches unrestricted free agency this summer.
the athleteInstant Analysis:
Can Rose return to New York?
Just because the Knicks turned down Team Rose’s option doesn’t mean they can’t bring him back next season. A league source said New York is not actually closing the door on re-signing Rose to a cheaper contract athlete, Although the team already uses three point guards: Jalen Bronson, Emmanuel Kwikley and Miles McBride.
Coach Tom Thibodeau replaced Rose at the beginning of December. The former MVP did not return to the team rotation. Chances are, if he returns, 2023-24 will look exactly like the last five months of 2022-23.
But the Knicks — not just the front office but the players as well — appreciate Rose’s leadership of the locker room. He and Thibodeau are close. But if Rose was offered a chance to play by another team, it could be hard to turn down. – Katz
Did the Knicks consider making their choice?
Rose wasn’t a rotational player this past season. He will be 35 at the start of next season. He has an extensive injury history. However, whether or not the Knicks will pick up their $15.6 million option is legitimate. An expired contract in Rose’s salary range could potentially help the Knicks in the shadowy star trade the organization has worked towards since President Leon Rose took over the front office.
If New York had kept Rose, it would have had two out of date middle-paid players out of its rotation: Rose and Evan Fournier. If the Knicks had paired these two in a trade, they could have sent $34.5 million in expired money, which means they could have returned more than $40 million — and they would have done it all without losing a rotational player.
Sadly, New York chose the more predictable direction, considering that on the open market Rose wouldn’t make nearly $15.6 million. – Katz
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(Photo: Kyle Ross/USA Today Sports)
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