“Yes, I’m coming back.” Derrick Rose was confident that he would spend another year in Memphis as he announced his plan to return in April. That’s one of the biggest reasons why the hoops community has been left stunned as the Grizzlies waived the veteran while he had a year left on his deal, making the ex-MVP’s journeyman-esque future in the league uncertain. Now, Rose needs another place that he can call home. But teams will have to bear a significant cost to acquire the veteran superstar.

Derrick Rose joined the Grizzlies last year after he signed a two-year $6.5 million deal with the franchise. So, he’s owed about $3.3 million in salary for the upcoming season. But following the recent waiver, he now has the option to sign with a new team, if he doesn’t plan on calling it a day. A team will be required to pay him at least the ten-plus-year veteran minimum deal of $3.3 million next season. With his 16 years of experience, Rose has earned the right to gain the maximum benefit of the NBA’s minimum salary clause.

While a player with zero experience can be acquired with a minimum salary of $1.1 million, Derrick Rose is eligible to make two million more because of his time in the league. And if a team wants to sign him on a multi-year deal, the minimum salary will grow each season, with $3.6 million for 2025 and nearly $4 million for 2026.

However, it is unclear if the NBA’s youngest MVP wishes to continue playing, as there have been speculations about him likely to hang his boots now that his run in Memphis is over. As per media veteran Stefan Bondy, the hooper considered retirement last year before joining the Grizzlies, and that thought could cross his mind once again. “Just trying to figure out my route, if I wanted to stay or leave,” Derrick Rose said in 2023. But if he decides to continue hooping, he can bring a lot to the table.

Derrick Rose’s NBA career stats: How can he help a team win at age 35?

While $3.3 million might seem like a massive amount for an aging star, it might be totally worth it if Derrick Rose stays healthy for the entire season. Sure, he played only 24 games last season due to multiple injuries. But he made his focus clear for the offseason, saying, “This summer, it’s all about attacking my rehabs, my workouts, and continuing to be disciplined.” The ex-Bulls star could be a great backup guard and also emerge as one of the best veteran leaders on any title-contending team, in the very short-term future.

Obviously, he has the experience of becoming the youngest MVP 13 years ago when he averaged 25 points and nearly 8 assists and shocked the world. Moreover, he managed to evolve his game, despite struggling with the ACL issue for years. Despite multiple injuries, Rose has averaged an impressive 17.4 points and more than 5 assists in his legendary career.

Just last season, he had a decent year as a backup guard averaging 8 points off the bench. He has also improved his three-point efficiency over the years (last season he shot 36.6%, after going 40%+ at the Knicks), which has helped him stay effective even at this stage of his career. Most importantly, he has also had a solid playoff career, averaging 21.9 points and over 6 assists on 3 different teams.

Sure enough, he could join a team maybe like the Lakers or Warriors who don’t have much salary space but need more depth to contend for a title. Or he could join someone like the Rockets or OKC who has talented youth but needs veteran leadership to make a solid run in the playoffs. Where do you think Rose should play next?

Before leaving, do watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where Bulldogs’ Asia Avinger details her experience with Kobe Bryant, her WNBA ROTY picks, and more in the video below.