“Stunning Move: Memphis Grizzlies Cut Ties with Former MVP Derrick Rose Right Before Season Starts!”

Derrick Rose, the youngest MVP in NBA history, is now a free agent after being waived by the Memphis Grizzlies just before the start of the 2023-24 NBA season. Rose, who joined the Grizzlies on a two-year deal in July 2023, was brought in to help fill the gap left by All-Star Ja Morant’s 25-game suspension and to serve as a mentor for the young point guard. However, with Morant back on the court, the team decided to part ways with the 35-year-old veteran.

Rose’s second stint in Memphis, where he had previously been a college standout leading the University of Memphis to the 2008 NCAA Championship Game, was marred by injuries. He appeared in just 24 games and dealt with knee, hamstring, and lower back issues throughout the season. Despite being the player chosen to welcome Morant back from suspension with a pregame announcement, Rose struggled to stay healthy and didn’t play in the final 23 games of the season.

The Grizzlies’ 2023-24 season was plagued by injuries across the roster, leading them to use a record-setting 33 different players and 51 different starting lineups. With 15 of those players being rookies or in their second year, and Rose being the oldest player on the team by four years, Memphis opted to release him, possibly influenced by the need to develop younger talent.

Rose, who has embraced a Sixth Man role after numerous injuries derailed his prime years, now enters free agency. He is best remembered for his time with the Chicago Bulls, where he was the 2008 No. 1 overall pick, Rookie of the Year, three-time All-Star, and 2011 MVP. But injuries have limited his appearances in recent years.

Despite the brief and challenging tenure in Memphis, Rose found a silver lining in his son PJ’s relationship with Morant. PJ, who even played on Morant’s AAU team, formed a bond with the young star, something Rose cherishes deeply.

“[PJ] talking to Ja, being around Ja, just everything Ja represents as far as being a hooper and role model, my son is able to see that firsthand,” Rose reflected. “I know I made the right decision [joining the Grizzlies] by the smile that my son gets on his face when he’s in the same van with Ja, or he’s with his dad. … Those moments are priceless.”

As Rose turns 36 and looks ahead to his next chapter, he remains a veteran presence who can bring value to a team looking for experience and leadership off the bench.