The Chicago Bulls made headlines when it was reported that they had traded former MVP Derrick Rose to the New York Knicks. The Bulls in return received Jerian Grant, Jose Calderon and Robin Lopez. This was considered a decent haul for the former face of the franchise, especially with many insiders saying there was essentially no market for him. This trade was the most painless way to bring an end to the rather tumultuous ride that was Rose’s tenure in Chicago. Despite many applauding Chicago’s move, it may have unseen ramifications for the entire league.

Derrick Rose going up against Robin Lopez, one of the players he was traded for. (Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports)
Derrick Rose going up against Robin Lopez, one of the players he was traded for. (Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports)

Derrick Rose grew up in southern Chicago, and when he was picked first overall by the Bulls, he was considered a savior by the city. Much like Lebron James in Cleveland, Rose was the hometown kid who was depended on to bring the city a championship. When he became the youngest player in the history of the league to win MVP in 2011, he was heralded as the second coming of Michael Jordan, receiving unequivocal love from everyone in the area. After that MVP season, however, it all went downhill. Following the 2011-12 season, the point guard had three knee surgeries and missed a total of 212 games out of a possible 312. Some time during this stretch, Chicago lost faith in its savior. Fans called for the trade of their former MVP, some even pleading the team to give him up for nothing. Worse than this, though, Rose in turn lost faith in Chicago. His many injuries plagued not just his body but also his mind. The city was in his mind forever linked with the injuries, bringing up bad memories whenever he thought of it.

Sad end for Rose, Bulls

This was the Chicago kid, the one who was counted on to revive the level of fame that MJ had achieved, and who now had lost faith in his own hometown. While still in Chicago, he spoke often about his willingness to test free agency, even though his contract would not expire for at least another year. His pessimistic views came out in the open in his first press conference in New York. With a look of relief on his face, he publicly thanked the Bulls for trading him. Thus, the initial mutual love between city and its supposed savior ended with mutual disdain. How does this episode affect the rest of the league? It shines a light on a common theme in free agency, which commences on July first.  

Names big and small will be linked with the team closest to their hometown, as it always seems like players are attracted to the idea of representing their birthplace. Whether it’s Lebron James returning to Cleveland two summers ago, or Kevin Durant being linked to Washington this summer (spoiler: he didn't sign there), hometown teams always seem to have an advantage over other potential suitors, no matter the quality of their present squad. The Derrick Rose saga in Chicago may change all of this, though. Rose wasn’t just a good player playing for the city he grew up in, he was THE player; the face of the franchise, the hero of the city, and the future of the league. His rise and fall in the city was well documented and received plenty of the national spotlight. Other players surely took notice. Now that they know a city doesn’t unconditionally love one of its own, no matter how good he once was, players may rethink signing with teams near their childhood stomping grounds. The Derrick Rose trade could actually affect the way free agents operate for years to come. The ramifications of the trade have only just become visible, we will only know how much has really changed after this off-season’s free agency.

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About the author
Agu Ibanez-baldor
Marquette Basketball and Milwaukee Bucks writer. Student journalist at Marquette University.