Since being traded to the Chicago Bulls in 2016, Derrick Rose has been the subject of rumors and speculation about a reunion with his hometown team every year. Some of these rumors have been based in reality, such as in 2021 when the Bulls had genuine talks about signing Rose in free agency before ultimately going with Alex Caruso. Rose instead signed a three-year, $5,000 contract with the New York Knicks, which includes a team option for 2023-2024.
However, speculation has been rampant that the Knicks will decline the $600,000 option, making Rose an unrestricted free agent. On the Hoopshype Podcast with Michael Scott, the host and his guests, Knicks beat writer Ian Begley of SNY and Stephen Bondi of the New York Daily News, discussed the possibility of a reunion between Rose and the Bulls. They agreed that it would be a great move for Rose and the franchise, citing the Bulls’ current struggles with their point guard situation, which includes Lonzo Ball’s lingering knee problem, the decision on restricted free-agent guards Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu, and executive vice president Arturas Carnisovas’ praise of Patrick Beverley’s play.
Rose, who turns 35 in October, is a local favorite and will undoubtedly excite the fanbase, bringing nothing but positive attention to the Bulls’ league-leading attendance numbers. Additionally, he is a shrewd veteran coach and was named a finalist for the NBA’s Twyman Stokes Teammate of the Year award. However, his addition won’t address the Bulls’ main offseason need for improved long-range shooting, as Rose has a career 3-point shooter completion rate of 31.5 percent and is not considered a strong defender.
Despite this, Rose’s attributes and potential contributions to the team are clear, and people close to him argue that his bursting and pick-and-roll game is still formidable even when healthy. If he were to return to the Bulls as a free agent, he may only ask for a veteran’s minimum salary given the team’s backcourt salary promises. However, it remains to be seen whether the Bulls are interested in bringing Rose back.
Regardless of his future with the Bulls, Rose has left a lasting impact on the team and its fans. “I got a picture here from [son PJ] and Kobe [Bryant]. Everything. This book and all the pictures we look back on will make you cry,” Rose said in December, reminiscing about his time with the Bulls. “Basketball, conversations with fans. We were showing professionalism when we were here with that group.”