Brian Windhorst: ‘Derrick Rose breakup with the Bulls has begun’

http://nba.nbcsports.com/2015/11/04/brian-windhorst-derrick-rose-breakup-with-the-bulls-has-begun/

There have been hints over the years.

In 2013, Derrick’s brother, Reggie Rose, said the Bulls hadn’t done enough to add talent around the point guard. Some people believed Derrick’s perception of his teammates delayed his return from injury. He remained out that entire season.

In 2014, the Bulls were reportedly dismayed Rose didn’t recruit Carmelo Anthony harder. The team was also reportedly concerned about Rose’s communication with the franchise.

This year, there was a report about a rift between Rose and Jimmy Butler. Of course, both denied it.

But is all this leading toward something bigger?

Brian Windhorst of ESPN:

The Derrick Rose breakup with the Bulls has begun. I don’t know how long it’s going to last. I don’t know if it’s going to be complete. But you can sort of see it. The team and the franchise have moved on to a little bit of a certain extent.

I don’t think Windhorst is making this up. He’s a connected and responsible reporter, and I believe there are real issues here.

But also keep in mind Windhorst says he’s unsure whether the breakup will be completed. Teams and players often have rough patches. These could be fixable issues.

However, it does seem Rose and the Bulls are growing apart.

Butler has supplanted him as Chicago’s best player. Pau Gasol, Nikola Mirotic, Taj Gibson and Joakim Noah lead a deep supporting cast. That group is frontcourt-oriented, but the Bulls could get by without Rose – especially if they add another guard in a trade.

Dealing the two years and more than $41 million left on his contract would come with challenges. Chicago might be better off enduring an awkward fit until 2017.

Rose is looking forward to that date, when he plans to secure a lucrative contract in free agency. He added that he expects to come from the Bulls, but there are increasingly reasons to doubt that.
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Sucks for the hometown hero but injuries have been a huge issue. They could have used him a lot in the playoffs the past couple seasons, with some luck could have made it to the promise land.

But with Thibs out and Hoiberg's offense, he's really not needed and it seems like the Bulls are turning towards Jimmy Butler becoming their star player.

 

I don't think this is a huge surprise. Rose has been hurt so much and his comments to the media couldn't have helped his standing on the team. Might be best for both sides to get a fresh start.

 

yeah, they won't get any return in trade; as the writer hints, they'd probably have to eat some dead salary to move him. watch: the lakers will strike out in FA again, then swallow rose's deal and re-sign kobe to the max in order to...let the young guys learn by watching.

 

I'm not interested at all, but I think someone will take the bait. I hope its not us though.

 

this gimp will be limping around in China in about 3 years

 

Guy is going the way of Brandon Roy...except Roy seemed like an easier guy to like

 

Ugh, he kinda was a manufactured MVP just to give Lebron a rest that year. He plays dumb most of the time and has lost his luster for being brittle.

 

I think a team like Brooklyn would take a chance or even Philly as they have no guards whatsoever and could offer Picks, young players.

Best team would be Phoenix with their medical stuff for him but no guards needed there.

 

Is Brooklyn going to take a shot at another injured PG that used to be great, they could probably match salaries but not sure about quality. Philly could use him, they have the assets for a trade.

 

Philly's not getting rid of picks. Their precious.