Veteran point guard Derrick Rose got to start his NBA career with his hometown Chicago Bulls. He may now get a chance to end his career in the city where basketball fans got their first glimpse of his talents in college.
The former NBA MVP rose to fame during his one year in college with the Memphis Tigers. He famously reached the NCAA Championship Game against Kansas in the 2007-08 season as a freshman before declaring for the 2008 NBA Draft.
Rose has always been beloved by the city of Memphis for his collegiate playing days. He will now be returning to the city to play for the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported on Friday that Rose has agreed to terms with the Grizzlies on a two-year $6.5 million deal.
Rose will sign a fully guaranteed two-year, $6.5 million deal with the Grizzlies, sources said. https://t.co/mxcXkEm1ug
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2023
Many took to social media to offer their reaction to this news, as Grizzlies fans seem extremely thrilled to see that Rose will be returning to the city.
Derrick Rose returning to Memphis could be one of the best stories of the season.
Imagine if he can help this young group bring a championship to the City of Memphis. Healing the wounds of ‘08. All while mentoring Ja. Story book ending.
Sports have a tendency to be poetic….
— Connor Dunning (@CDunning929) July 1, 2023
Can confirm Derrick Rose to Memphis, as @IanBegley first reported. Back to his college days.
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) July 1, 2023
Marcus Smart, Derrick Rose, Desmond Bane. We have some DAWGS in the locker room now🔥🔥
— Cole 𝕏 (@CREAMYCOLE_) July 1, 2023
I always knew me and Derrick Rose would reunite in Memphis someday.@CentralBBQ pic.twitter.com/zE41Ot4CGt
— Gary Parrish (@GaryParrishCBS) July 1, 2023
Ja Morant and Derrick Rose on the same team. Two guys who played a similar, explosive style before Rose's injuries.
Thoughts? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/9AWojz21UD
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 1, 2023
Derrick Rose going back to Memphis. 🌹
Full circle. 🔥
— Pack Mamba (@Pack_Mamba) July 1, 2023
It’s unclear how much action Rose will actually see on the court next year for the Grizzlies. Regardless, the move is certainly an impactful one for the locker room of the team.
Grizzlies star Ja Morant has been a player heavily compared to Rose throughout his young career. Morant’s off-court activities have been on full display in recent months, and Rose could certainly be a very positive mentor for Morant as he tries to get his life back in order.
If Rose can help Morant in any way either on or off the court, this move will undoubtedly pay for itself for the Grizzlies organization.
