Derrick Rose Says Thibs Is 'Good' After Knicks Exit, 'Can't Be Mad' About Getting $30M
Former NBA guard Derrick Rose isn't shedding too many tears for Tom Thibodeau when his former coach at least secured a hefty payout from the New York Knicks after his firing.
Rose said Sunday ahead of the Grant Park 165 he has spoken with Thibodeau and that Thibs is "good."
"You can't be mad when you're walking away with $30 million," Rose told reporters. "You can't be too sorry for him. But he's in good spirits."
The Knicks handed Thibodeau a three-year extension in July 2024, a reward for a 50-win season and a second straight appearance in the Eastern Conference semifinals. By letting him go only a year later, the organization had to eat a lot of money.
Between that and what he has collected from his previous stops, Thibodeau can step away from coaching for good and find a nice place by the beach if he wants.
However, the allure of returning to an NBA bench might be tough to pass up if the opportunity presents itself. His age (67) shouldn't be an impediment in that regard.
At the very least, Thibodeau will have a few months to contemplate his next move. The NBA coaching carousel will come to an end once the Knicks finalize the hiring of Mike Brown, so there won't be any new vacancies between now and opening night.
Thibodeau, who boasts a .579 career winning percentage, will likely be floated as a candidate when the first coach is out of a job in 2025-26.
