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The Chicago Bulls announced today that the team has re-signed guard Derrick Rose to a maximum dollar, five-year extension. It is reportedly worth around $94 million.
“We are thrilled that we have signed Derrick to an extension. On top of being a great player, what has set Derrick apart is his make-up, character, drive and his leadership,” said Chicago Bulls General Manager Gar Forman. “That being said, we believe his greatest asset is his loyalty to his teammates, to our organization and to the city of Chicago. We look forward to having Derrick in a Bulls uniform for years to come, as he helps lead us in our quest to become a championship team.”
In 2010-11, Rose helped guide Chicago to its first appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals since 1998. In 81 games last season, he averaged 25.0 ppg (seventh in the NBA), 7.7 apg (10th), 4.1 rpg, 1.05 spg and 37.4 mpg (14th). Rose was the only player in the NBA last year who ranked in the top 10 in scoring and assists. He also became just the fifth player in NBA history (along with Oscar Robertson, John Havlicek, Michael Jordan and LeBron James) to post 2,000 points, 600 assists and 300 rebounds in a single season. For his efforts last year, he was named the Kia NBA Most Valuable Player (the youngest MVP in NBA history at 22 years-191 days old), as well as being selected All-NBA First Team.
“It is a dream come true to play for the Chicago Bulls, and with this new contract the dream continues. I am very thankful to Jerry Reinsdorf and the Chicago Bulls organization, my teammates and coaches, and to the city of Chicago,” said Rose. “It is an honor to play in the city that I grew up in, and I am very appreciative of this opportunity with my hometown Bulls. I want all of our fans out there to know that I am committed to one goal and that is winning an NBA championship for Chicago.”
Embarking on his fourth season in the NBA, Rose is a two-time All-Star, and has averaged 20.9 ppg, 6.7 apg and 3.9 rpg in 37.1 mpg while with the Bulls. The Chicago native has also posted career shooting averages of .468 from the field, .309 from behind the arc and .815 from the line. The Bulls originally selected Rose with the first overall selection in the 2008 NBA Draft.
