The Memphis Grizzlies are without backup point guard and former NBA MVP Derrick Rose, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported Monday.
The news comes after Rose announced in April his plans to return to Memphis in 2024-25 for his 17th NBA season. Rose joined the Grizzlies as a free agent in 2023. He was scheduled to play next season in the second year of a two-year, $6.5 million contract.
Due to injuries, Rose only played in 24 games last season, but he made an impression when he was available on a roster plagued by long absences of key players, including injured shooting guard Desmond Bane and All-Star point guard Ja Morant, who missed some time due to suspensions and injuries.
In 16.6 minutes per game, Rose averaged eight points and 3.3 assists while shooting 46.1% from the field and 36.6% from 3-point range. He started seven times.
Rose, 35, said in April that he would return to the Grizzlies next season and has discussed his role with general manager Zach Kleiman and head coach Taylor Jenkins.
“Yeah, I’m coming back,” Rose said, according to the Memphis Commercial-Appeal. “I’ve talked to Zach. I’ve talked to the coach. … This summer is about addressing my rehab and my training and continuing to be disciplined.”
It is not immediately clear what prompted the Grizzlies to make this decision. Neither Rose nor the team had addressed the decision at the time Monday’s report was published.
Rose was selected by the Bulls with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 draft, was named Rookie of the Year, was named league MVP in his third season in Chicago, and is a three-time NBA All-Star.
Injuries, including a torn ACL, cost Rose the entire 2012-13 season and have limited him since then. But since injuries ended his career, he has carved out a role as a key player for over a decade.
Rose has expressed his desire to play again next season, but if he does, it apparently won’t be with the Grizzlies.
