The Memphis Grizzlies have waived veteran point guard and league MVP Derrick Rose, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. ESPN has since reported that Rose has asked to be released from his contract.
Rose, who turns 36 on Oct. 4, had one season left in the two-year, $6.6 million contract he signed with the Grizzlies through the 2023 offseason. Rose played in 24 games (seven starts) for the Grizzlies, averaging 8.0 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists.
The University of Memphis product has been hampered by knee and hamstring injuries that have limited him to a handful of games in his first year with the Grizzlies. He has never played more than five games in a row during a season.
The Athletic previously reported that Memphis was firing Rose. League sources confirm that development, as it is technically accurate. But the fact that the Grizzlies let Rose out of his contract is a significant difference.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) September 23, 2024
During an April interview with Damichael Cole of Memphis Commercial Appeal, Rose said he intends to return for the 17th NBA season. Fans and reporters at the time thought he would do that in Memphis.
“Yes, I'm coming back,” said Rose. “I talked to him [general manager] Zach [Kleiman]I talked to the coach. … This summer, it's all about attacking my saves, practicing and staying focused.”
Derrick Rose has asked the Memphis Grizzlies to waive him after the knee, hamstring injury that sidelined him last season
Rose has suffered multiple injuries throughout his NBA career. After earning three All-Star selections and winning the 2010-11 MVP with the Chicago Bulls, he tore the ACL in his left knee during the 2012 NBA Playoffs. After sitting out the entire 2012-13 season, he finally returned in 2013-14.
However, Rose suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee against the Portland Trail Blazers in November 2013. The Bulls later announced that Rose was out for the season, after successful surgery.
In February 2015, it was announced that Rose needed another round of surgery on his right knee and was permanently sidelined. An examination and subsequent MRI confirmed a meniscus tear in the right knee. It was the same injury he suffered against Portland.
In 723 NBA regular season games (518 starts), Rose averaged 17.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 30.5 minutes per contest while shooting 45.6% from the floor, 31.6% from the field. 3, and 83.1% from the free throw line.
In the Grizzlies' 117-104 loss to the Houston Rockets on Dec. 13, 2023, recorded a season-high 19 points on 7-of-14 (50%) shooting from the field, 1-of-4 (20%) from deep, and four free throws.
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