LeBron James and Dwyane Wade both declared that Derrick Rose's absence won’t affect the Cleveland Cavaliers, but they expressed hope that the oft-injured point guard will find happiness in whatever decision he makes. James claimed that Rose’s absence “didn’t mean too much for the team,” but he said that the Cavaliers want the best for Rose on whatever decision he makes, per Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com. Wade, for this part, said as a basketball player, the team expects someone else to step up if another guy is out. However, Wade said he wants Rose to be happy and feel confident in his career decision.

Early in the season, James, Wade, and Rose played together in the starting lineup before J.R. Smith replaced Wade.

Cavs winning without Rose

Earlier, Dave McMenamin and Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported that Rose has left the team to deal with a personal matter. However, it was determined that Rose is contemplating his future in the NBA following another injury. The 29-year-old Rose, who won the NBA MVP in 2011 before multiple knee surgeries derailed his promising career, signed a one-year, $2.1 million deal with the Cavs as a free agent last summer. However, left ankle issues have limited him to just seven games this season. Rose missed his eighth straight game Friday (Nov. 24), as the Cavaliers defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 100-99, for their seventh straight triumph.

The Cavs are 7-1 without Rose, who was catapulted to the starting point guard spot with Isaiah Thomas still recovering from a hip injury that he suffered last season.

Lue expects Rose to return

While he didn’t give specific details about Rose’s absence, coach Tyronn Lue said he expects the point guard to return to the team. According to Lue, he texted Rose to tell him he still had a place on the Cavaliers, adding that he expects the point guard to return at some point.

Earlier, ESPN reported that Rose will lose the $80 million endorsement deal with Adidas if he leaves the NBA. The above-mentioned amount was part of the 13-year, $185-million endorsement extension that Rose signed with Adidas in 2012. While he’s on a veteran’s minimum contract with the Cavaliers, Rose has plenty of cash coming in from his shoe endorsement, which will be lost if he leaves the NBA. The deal will automatically end once Rose files paperwork for retirement. Rose is averaging 14.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 26.9 minutes of play this season.
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