Memphis Grizzlies waive former NBA MVP, Tigers basketball legend Derrick Rose

The Memphis Grizzlies are waiving guard Derrick Rose.

Rose, a Memphis legend who starred for the Tigers and took them to the national title game during his lone season of college basketball, signed a two-year deal with the Grizzlies before last season. He played sparingly during the 2023-24 season as he battled injuries, appearing in only 24 games.

Still, he had a key role as a mentor to Grizzlies star guard Ja Morant, and Rose’s son PJ played on Morant’s AAU team.

The news was first reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania. SNY TV’s Ian Begley later reported that the Grizzlies let Rose out of his contract per the veteran point guard’s request. A source confirmed this development to The Commercial Appeal. Memphis will buyout Rose’s final year of his deal.

The No. 1 overall pick out of Memphis, Rose spent the first seven years of his NBA career with the Chicago Bulls. He was the NBA’s youngest ever MVP, but his career was derailed by injuries after a dynamic start. He later played for Knicks, Timberwolves and Pistons before signing with the Grizzlies.

At the end of last season, Rose said he planned to come back for his second season with Memphis.

“Yes, I’m coming back,” Rose said. “I talked to (Grizzlies GM) Zach (Kleiman), I talked to coach…This summer, it’s all about attacking my rehabs, my workouts and continuing to be disciplined.”

The Grizzlies now have two open roster spots after waiving Rose and Mamadi Diakite, who came over in the trade that sent Ziaire Williams to the Nets. Point guard Scotty Pippen Jr. is on a two-way contract and could be a candidate for one of those roster spots, especially because the Grizzlies have very little depth behind Ja Morant with Rose now gone.

Reach sports writer Jonah Dylan at jonah.dylan@commercialappeal.com or on X @thejonahdylan.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies waive former NBA MVP Derrick Rose