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Knicks Decline Derrick Rose's Contract; Former MVP to Become Free Agent

Derrick Rose's time to the New York Knicks could come to an end after the team declined his team option for next season.

Jeremy Brener

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The New York Knicks are expected to part ways with a fan favorite just ahead of free agency.

According to Steve Popper of Newsday, the Knicks have declined point guard Derrick Rose's $15.6 million team option, making the 2011 NBA MVP an unrestricted free agent.

"Rose was beloved by (head coach Tom Thibodeau) and the organization, had a diminished role on the court but was a pro throughout his benching, a voice in the locker room, and this will give him a chance to explore available opportunities," Popper tweeted.

Rose, 34, will likely be seeking somewhere close to a veteran's minimum deal in free agency, and there's still a chance that he could return to the Knicks.

"The door is not closed on a Rose return," Popper added. "He could come back on a vet minimum deal. But with (Jalen) Brunson, (Immanuel) Quickley, and (Miles) McBride he likely has a better opportunity with some other contenders who need a point guard."

Rose averaged a career-low 5.6 points per game this past season with the Knicks in just 27 appearances. He was removed from the rotation in December and took the floor in just one regular season game in the new calendar year, drawing cheers upon his late entry in a February win over New Orleans. 

Teams that could benefit from Rose's services in free agency include the Los Angeles Lakers, Clippers, and Phoenix Suns. 

Perhaps a return with the Chicago Bulls, his hometown team who drafted him with the No. 1 overall pick in 2008, is also not out of the question considering the warm reception he received upon his return to United Center as a Knick in December.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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