The writing was on the wall for the end of Derrick Rose’s tenure with the Knicks for most of the regular season.
The Knicks, as expected, have declined their $15.6 million team option on Rose, according to multiple reports.
The longtime Tom Thibodeau favorite and former league MVP fell out of the Knicks’ playing rotation in December and barely played for the remainder of the season.
The 34–year-old point guard totaled only five minutes of action after Dec. 31, including three in Game 3 of the first round of the playoffs against the Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden.
The Knicks could have exercised the team option to provide another expiring contract to include in trades, but by cutting ties they will be eligible to use a $12.2 million exception in free agency.
Knicks wing Josh Hart also has until 11:59 p.m. Saturday to exercise or decline his $12.9 million player option.
Hart, who was obtained from the Trail Blazers at the February trade deadline, said earlier this month in a podcast interview that he “probably” would decline it and become a free agent, although he consistently has expressed interest in re-signing with the Knicks.