Rumors swirled in recent days that the Miami Heat were hot on the heels of free agent guard Derrick Rose. It felt like a good fit, with Rose reuniting with former teammate Jimmy Butler.
But as with any offseason, things suddenly changed drastically for the Heat. It, however, had nothing to do exactly with Rose. While the former MVP could've definitely helped the South Beach squad as a sparkplug off the bench, the Heat decided to go with another veteran guard.
The Heat acquiring Kyle Lowry via a deal with the Toronto Raptors swiftly shut down the door on Rose. Simply put, the team found a better option (via Mark Medina of USA Today).
I'm told Derrick Rose fielded interest from the Knicks, Bulls, Heat, Pelicans and Wizards. Sign-and-trades for Kyle Lowry (Miami) and Lonzo Ball (Bulls) set the wheels in motion for Rose to stay with the Knicks on a three-year, $43 million deal. https://t.co/D5brxLKsbk
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) August 3, 2021
In what felt like a direct response, Rose inked a three-year extension with the New York Knicks worth $43 million. The Heat getting an aging backup PG for over $40 million seemed excessive. While Rose is definitely better than most second-string floor generals, his history of injuries will always be a concern.
Lowry could be considered an upgrade from Rose, as he's proven through the years that he's durable and a good vocal leader. He had a mediocre stint last season as the Raptors floundered out of contention. But joining a Heat squad with a solid core of Butler, Bam Adebayo, Duncan Robinson, and Tyler Herro could do wonders for K-Low.
Both Derrick Rose and Kyle Lowry are now among the senior statesmen in the NBA. But clearly, they're still hot commodities around the league. One stayed put, one moved out. It's safe to say everything worked out.
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