Bulls' Rose eyes 2017 free agency: 'I know my day is coming'
Chicago Bulls point guard and former league MVP Derrick Rose isn't aloof when it comes to the almighty dollar. He sees the lucrative contracts being handed out under the NBA's skyrocketing salary cap, and, rightfully so, wants a piece of the action.
"I want to be here," Rose said during Chicago's media day Monday, according to NBC Sports' Sean Highkin. "But when you talk about that much money, all you can do is prepare for it.
"All the money that's being handed out. I know my day is coming."
Rose, 26, is set to make more than $20 million in each of the final two seasons of a five-year, $94-million extension he signed with the franchise back in 2011. If he can maintain a relatively clean bill of health, Rose could see a payout even higher than that. Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers agreed to a reported five-year extension worth $125 million this summer, which could be roughly what Rose and his agent will ask for on the open market.
Having suited up for just 100 games combined over the past three seasons, there will always be a sense of concern surrounding Rose and his ability to stay on the floor. New head coach Fred Hoiberg doesn't anticipate needing to sit the three-time All-Star for the sole purpose of giving him rest, though.
Hoiberg doesn't think Rose will have to take nights off. "He's got his explosiveness right now."
— Sean Highkin (@highkin) September 28, 2015
Hoiberg plans on running the basketball through the post and placing the spotlight more on veteran Pau Gasol, who put forth a spectacular all-around showing for Spain at the EuroBasket tournament this summer. This should ease some of the offensive burden on Rose to produce buckets, perhaps salvaging his body in the process.
Even so, the Chicago native will continue to compete with a chip on his shoulder, silencing doubters who have jumped off his bandwagon in recent years.
"I know I'm great," Rose said, according to the Chicago Tribune's K.C. Johnson. "There's a lot of people who don't know I'm great. That's cool. I know I can hoop."
For his career, Rose is averaging 20.4 points, 6.5 assists, and 3.7 rebounds in 340 appearances.