Derrick Rose might not just follow the cash in free agency this summer.
Addressing the media before Thursday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers, the New York Knicks point guard said that winning will be a bigger priority than money when he chooses which team to sign with this offseason.
“Not even thinking money. I’ve got more than enough money saved. If I stopped playing basketball now, I’ll be all right,” said the former MVP, according to ESPN’s Ian Begley. “I want to win. I want to be happy and feel at peace with myself wherever I’m at. But being at the negotiating table, you never know. I’m not going to negotiate with people where money is the No. 1 thing I’m asking for. I want to win.”
Of course, a report from just a couple of months ago seemed to imply the exact opposite about the 28-year-old Rose, who is averaging 17.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game this season. But free agent suitors likely won’t be lining up to max Rose, especially given his inefficient one-way play.
That said, Rose at a reasonable price point could be quite enticing to many a playoff team. Perhaps this allegedly interested party would be able to provide the right blend of money and contention prospects for the three-time All-Star.
