Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Derrick Rose says he re-signed with the team in free agency because he feels comfortable there and knows he'll have an opportunity to play.

The former league MVP, who is making only $2.3 million this season, states he's not in Minnesota to steal anyone's job and doesn't care about starting. Rose started for Minnesota in the preseason opener against the Golden State Warriors in place of Jimmy Butler, who has requested a trade and is not with the team.

“I’m just looking for comfort and opportunity,” Rose said, via Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic. “I’m not here to steal nobody’s job. I’ve been in that position before early in my career. I did that. I’m here to help. I’m not here to challenge no one for their spot. All that talk is crazy. I’m not looking to start. That’s not me. I’m just looking to do whatever the team needs me to do.

“We’re in the West, the conference I’m in, you have to compete every night. In the East, there are certain nights you have to compete. In the West, it’s different. It’s a challenge to me, a challenge to the team. As far as me becoming a leader, just trying to help the team, whatever they need me to do, pick up garbage, whatever, I’m here. Whatever they need me to do to help the team.”

Article Continues Below
More Timberwolves News
Minnesota Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly answers questions at a press conference to introduce the 2022 draft picks at Target Center.
3 players Minnesota Timberwolves must avoid in 2025 NBA DraftRohan Brahmbhatt ·
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) holds onto the ball next to Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) in the third quarter during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Chase Center.
3 best players Minnesota Timberwolves must re-sign in 2025 NBA free agencyRohan Brahmbhatt ·
Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) practices
Timberwolves president’s bold Anthony Edwards prediction after WCF eliminationJedd Pagaduan ·
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) dribbles against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) during the second half at Footprint Center.
Did Timberwolves’ Tim Connelly drop hint at potential Kevin Durant trade?Malik Brown ·
Minnesota Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly answers questions at a press conference to introduce the 2022 draft picks at Target Center.
Tim Connelly confirms Timberwolves future despite potential departure rumorsTroy Finnegan ·
timberwolves, anthony edwards, kevin durant, timberwolves trade
3 trades Minnesota Timberwolves must make to win 2026 NBA title with Anthony EdwardsGarrett Kerman ·

Rose is going to do a lot more than pick up garbage in Minnesota. He's coming off a strong 2018 playoff showing in which he averaged 14.2 points per game while shooting 50.9 percent from the field and 70 percent from beyond the arc. It was a small sample size, but the Timberwolves’ offense benefited from Rose’s presence on the floor during the postseason. The team had an offensive rating of 119.1 when Rose was playing, compared to 97.0 when he was on the bench. Rose's ability to score in bunches, get to the rim, and create shots for others is something Minnesota will need during the regular season since both Butler and Jamal Crawford will be out of the picture.

Rose is clearly not the player he used to be, but you can't blame him. The Chicago native has undergone four knee surgeries since becoming the youngest MVP in NBA history in 2011 with the Chicago Bulls. However, the 29-year-old continues to show he can get to the basket and finish in traffic. If he can stay relatively healthy this season, Rose figures to be the Timberwolves' sixth man, and his role will be to score, facilitate, and bring energy off the bench.