Memphis Grizzlies guard Derrick Rose. Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Derrick Rose reveals whether he intends to return to Grizzlies next season

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 4/15/24

Derrick Rose was one of many injury casualties for the Memphis Grizzlies this season. He has only seen the court on 24 occasions.

Rose joined the franchise as a free agent last summer, signing a two-year, $6.5 million deal.

According to Marc Stein, Rose intends to honor the second year of his contract. The veteran ball-handler is expecting to run it back with Memphis in the 2024-25 season, undoubtedly hoping for a healthier run with the team.

Derrick Rose said at locker cleanout day in Memphis that he intends to be back with the Grizzlies next season after injuries limited him to 24 games.

The Grizz led the NBA with 590 man-games lost to injury this season per @Sportradar.

More NBA from me: https://t.co/A6ycVmnrjq
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) April 15, 2024

Rose has struggled with injuries throughout his career. However, during his recent tenure with the New York Knicks, he found a way to reinvent himself and become a reliable player off the bench.

During his two-and-a-half seasons under Tom Thibodeau in New York, he averaged 11.6 points, 2.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists while shooting 45% from the field and 37.3% from 3-point range. He played a total of 103 regular-season games and six postseason games.

With Ja Morant and Marcus Smart expected back in the Grizzlies rotation next season, Rose will likely comprise a backup role. Having a former MVP and highly experienced ball-handler as your third guard in the rotation is the type of luxury only a legitimate contender can have.

Memphis has underwhelmed this season. Injuries and suspension derailed its bid to compete for a championship before it built momentum.

With an offseason to get healthy and add further depth, Memphis will likely come back as a genuine contender next season.

Rose will be an important part of the rotation. He may not be the MVP player he was during his prime, but his leadership and scoring ability can still help impact games.

This could also potentially be his last run in the league. A chance at winning a championship would be the ideal way for him to wrap up his storied career.

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