Despite being traded, D-Rose’s legacy in Chicago remained intact.
Three years into his epic return from ACL injury, Derrick Rose found himself traded away by the Chicago Bulls in 2016. This decision caught many Bulls fans off guard, especially considering the pivotal role D-Rose played in revitalizing the franchise after years of underwhelming runs.
Indeed, Rose’s electrifying style of play had not only reignited the team’s competitive spirit but also restored hope to a fanbase that had endured a long period of disappointment. However, for Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf, the trade represented a necessary shift toward a new chapter for the organization.
Reinsdorf recognized that while Rose was instrumental in bringing the Bulls back into the spotlight, he believed the team needed to seize greater opportunities that lay ahead. His vision extended beyond nostalgia as it was about embracing the potential for growth and transformation that could lead the team to even greater success in the future.
“What we felt was it was time,” Reinsdorf said of Rose’s trade. “We felt Joakim wasn’t going to be a frontline guy anymore. I was pretty confident that Pau (Gasol) was going to leave. So it was important for us to get the center in (Robin) Lopez. It was time for Derrick to go on and play someplace else and try to establish himself. Gar and Pax were high on the Grant kid (Jerian). We thought that was the necessary first step no matter how we were going to go.”
Reinsdorf took a questionable turn
In the summer of 2016, the Bulls completed a five-player deal that sent Rose to the Knicks along with Justin Holiday and Chicago’s second-round pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. In exchange, the Bulls acquired Robin Lopez, Jose Calderon, and Jerian Grant.
With Derrick absent from the Bulls’ lineup, expectations ran high among fans and analysts alike for a revamped roster as the new season approached. However, skepticism lingered regarding the team’s fresh look, particularly concerning the decision to sign seasoned veterans such as Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo. Many critics questioned whether these aging stars would truly enhance the team’s performance.
Bulls owner held a different perspective. He believed that experienced players like Wade and Rondo would bring valuable skills and leadership, perfectly complementing head coach Fred Hoiberg’s vision for the team. While Reinsdorf did not anticipate an extraordinary transformation with this trio at the helm, his optimism for their potential synergy was evident. He saw this as an opportunity to build a competitive team, one that could surprise the doubters and reignite the Bulls’ legacy.
“We’re going to be competitive. I’m not predicting anything. But remember, as bad as we were last year, we beat Cleveland three out of four and Toronto four out of four,” Reinsdorf pointed out.
“Those three guys are all high character guys and they all want it to work out,” he confidently stated. “They’ll get along with (coach Fred Hoiberg) and each other. Each guy knows what the other two guys are like. And they want to be there.”
D-Rose is forever beloved in Chicago
While not everyone may have been pleased with the Bulls’ decision to part ways with D-Rose, the franchise remains well aware of the profound impact he made on both the team and the city of Chicago. The entire organization acknowledges that Rose’s contributions go beyond highlight plays as he became an iconic figure that resonates deeply with the Bulls faithful and his fellow Chicago natives.
To honor Rose’s remarkable legacy and the indelible mark he left on the franchise, the Bulls, led by Jerry and son and Bulls President & CEO Michael Reinsdorf, have decided to retire his No. 1 jersey in the 2025-26 season. They emphasized that this gesture not only commemorates Rose’s achievements on the court but also acknowledges the deep connection he forged with the community, solidifying his place in the hearts of the Bulls supporters forever.
“Derrick is both a hometown hero and a symbol of an entire era of Bulls basketball,” said Jerry. “Retiring a jersey recognizes a player’s impact beyond on-court achievements. It honors individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the organization and forged deep, lasting connections with fans. It recognizes that emotional bond and the great influence a player has had on the team and organization’s identity.”
“We are proud to add Derrick to the elite group of players – Jerry Sloan, Bob Love, Michael Jordan, and Scottie Pippen – whose jerseys have been officially retired by the Chicago Bulls,” he added.
“Derrick’s talent was extraordinary, but what always impressed me most was how he remained humble and let his basketball play speak for him,” said Michael. “To watch Derrick the player was a thrill, but to get to know Derrick the person was an honor. His accomplishments on and off the court are what made him truly special.”
“His connection with Chicago was undeniable when he was here, and it has only grown stronger and more profound over time,” he continued. “It will be an emotional moment to see Derrick watch his jersey go up into the rafters, surrounded by the family, friends, and fans who mean so much to him.”
To this very moment, some fans believe that it would’ve been fitting if Rose ended his career with the Bulls. While it didn’t play out that way, Derrick and his legacy have been etched in Chicago’s history for eternity.