After LeBron James’ blockbuster decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers, Derrick Rose was asked his thoughts on the move.
Seemingly, the former NBA MVP couldn’t care less.
Derrick Rose Issues Blunt Response to LeBron James Joining 76ers
When asked by a Fox Chicago reporter what his opinion was on James’ free-agency announcement, Rose responded bluntly: “I’m out of the game. Happy for him, but that’s not my life no more.”
With the exception of his jersey retirement ceremony by the Chicago Bulls in January 2026, Rose has largely stayed out of the NBA spotlight. It’s hard to blame him, as he played for six different teams over a 15-year career before retiring in September 2024.
“I’m out of the game. Happy for him, but that’s not my life no more.”
— Derrick Rose on LeBron’s decision to join the Sixers.
(h/t @BrickCenter_)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 26, 2026
Rose also suffered a devastating injury during his prime, which changed his career forever and appears to have changed the way he views basketball. Still, the former No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft had an extremely successful career, winning NBA Rookie of the Year, earning three All-Star selections, and becoming the youngest MVP in league history at 22.
Rose also spent part of the 2017-18 season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he was teammates with James. Unfortunately, his stint lasted just 16 games as he battled injuries before being traded at that season’s deadline.
Following Rose’s departure, James led the Cavaliers to a 50-win season and, at the time, their fourth straight NBA Finals appearance. Cleveland was swept by the Golden State Warriors, but James did all he could, averaging 34.0 points, 10.0 assists, and 8.5 rebounds over the four-game series.
Nearly a decade later, James enters what could be the final season of his NBA career, still focused on competing at a high level and winning his fifth career championship with the 76ers.
“This is my last decision,” James wrote on X. “I’m not going for money. I’m not going for family. What am I really playing for at this point? I still want to sacrifice. I still want to work. I still want to grind. I still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship.
“I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time.”
James joins a 76ers roster that features former NBA MVP Joel Embiid, former Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, All-NBA guard Tyrese Maxey, and All-Rookie Team member VJ Edgecombe. Whether this group can ultimately win an NBA championship remains to be seen, but if there’s one thing we’ve learned, Rose likely won’t be tuning in.
