CHICAGO — Derrick Rose, the Chicago Bulls’ superstar point guard and the NBA’s reigning MVP, agreed Wednesday to a five-year contract extension worth more than $94 million. The deal kicks in next season.
It’s fair to say Rose had made it big long before this latest news conference. The whopping extension is just another stop in a rapid and steady rise from a tough neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side to a starring role with his hometown team after being taken with the No. 1 pick in the draft.
Rose has gone from rookie of the year to all-star to league MVP in just three seasons, becoming the youngest player to win the award. That’s why the extension was more a formality than a surprise.
“He embodies all the characteristics that you look for,” said Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau.
Rose averaged 25 points, 7.7 assists and 4.1 rebounds in 81 games last season. He was the only NBA player last season to rank in the top 10 in scoring and assists.
