The New York Knicks have reportedly declined Derrick Rose‘s $15.6 million team option for the upcoming NBA season and the Los Angeles Lakers are already among the early favorites to land the services of the veteran point guard.
Rose, 34, will likely only be receiving veteran minimum offers. Lakers could secure him via the bi-annual exception, which would pay him $4.3 million for the 2023-24 season.
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The Golden State Warriors beat LA in the race to aquire Chris Paul, who was traded to the Washington Wizards in the move that sent Bradley Beal to the Phoenix Suns.
Lakers are still in need of a playmaking guard who can take some of the load off LeBron James and Rose still has some gas left in the tank.
Knicks star Julius Randle recently raved about the veteran’s quiet leadership in the locker room during an appearance on Paul George‘s podcast and said “[Rose] can still play.”
Could Derrick Rose return to the Chicago Bulls?
Another potential landing spot for Rose is with the Chicago Bulls, his hometown team that drafted him in 2008, and where he won league MVP.
Bulls recently announced Lonzo Ball will not play next year, so Chicago would greatly benefit from Rose’s return.
Rose’s family is currently comfortable in New York, making it possible for him to stay with the team on a vet min, especially considering his close relationship with head coach Tom Thibodeau.
Playing for the Lakers alongside James and Anthony Davis, however, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Rose, and possibly the best chance at winning his first championship.
