Memphis Grizzlies point guard Derrick Rose, the youngest player ever to win the NBA MVP award, is retiring from basketball, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
Rose, 35, played one season at the University of Memphis, leading the Tigers to the NCAA Championship game in 2008. He was then selected first overall by the Chicago Bulls in the 2008 NBA Draft. Rose made history by becoming the league's youngest MVP in 2011 at age 22.
In addition to the Bulls, Rose’s NBA career included stints with the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Detroit Pistons. He was signed by the Memphis Grizzlies last season, bringing his career full circle as he returned to the city where he made his collegiate mark.
According to ESPN, Rose placed thank-you ads in newspapers in each of the cities where he played, including Memphis, to show his appreciation to fans.
The Grizzlies agreed to a contract buyout earlier this week, fulfilling Rose’s request to be released from the team.
No details have yet emerged on Rose’s future plans.
