Former Memphis Tigers star signs with Memphis Grizzlies

Former Memphis Tigers standout Derrick Rose is returning to the Memphis Grizzlies after he helped lead the Tigers on the magical National Collegiate Athletic Association run.

Rose, an unrestricted free agent, and the Memphis Grizzlies will sign a fully guaranteed $6.5 million two-year deal.

A native of Chicago, Rose was selected by the Bulls as the first overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft out of the University of Memphis. He was named the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2009 and the NBA Most Valuable Player in 2011. Other career highlights include the 2010-2011 All- NBA First Team selection, three consecutive NBA All- Star appearances (2010-2012), and 2008-2009 All-Rookie First Team honors.

A 14-year National Basketball Association veteran has appeared in 699 regular season games with 511 starts and has averaged 17.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in 31.0 minutes for the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Detroit Pistons. Last season, the 34-year-old recorded 5.6 points in 12.5 minutes over 27 games with the Knicks.

The leadership and guidance of Rose may help bring a title to Memphis.