NBA News: Western Conference Powerhouse Shockingly Releases Former MVP Right Before Season [Video]

The Memphis Grizzlies have released veteran guard Derrick Rose just a few weeks before the start of the NBA Season. NBA insider Shams Charania of The Athletic reported the news on social media.

This move certainly comes as a surprise, especially due to the timing. Rose was expected to be an integral part of what the Grizzlies hoped to do this season.

After missing the playoffs a year ago due to multiple injuries, Memphis was looking to rebound fully this year. Rose was likely going to play the backup role for the Grizzlies behind star point guard Ja Morant.

His leadership was a big reason why the Grizzlies brought him into the locker room, to begin with. They have seen all sorts of off-the-court issues in recent years so Rose was brought in to help navigate through it all with the young team.