Derrick Rose (Photo : Getty Images)
The New York Knicks are not ruling out the possibility of Derrick Rose assuming the starting point guard role for at least three more seasons. Marc Beerman of the New York Post reported the Knicks' interest in holding a contract extension with the former MVP at some point this season.
Rose, who is averaging 16.8 points, 4.9 assists and 4.9 rebounds in 32 minutes per game after 17 games, will become an unrestricted free-agent after this season, but the Knicks can lock him up with a contract extension before he gets the chance to entertain offers from other teams this summer.
While Rose admitted that he hasn't discussed contract extension with the Knicks, Beerman disclosed that the team's top brass led by president of basketball operations Phil Jackson is interested to engage into an exploratory talk with Rose.
"I haven't talked to them about it," Rose told Berman. "It's been more about winning games. We'll see. I'm more concerned with trying to win games, but it's something I'd have to talk about with my family and team."
The Knicks want to be assured Rose can stay injury free throughout the remainder of the season before committing with the point guard.
Rose can make much larger max salary starting at $28 million per season if he waits for the free-agency season. However, if he opts for job security, Rose can agree to a three-year contract extension worth $75 million before the season ends.
Hoops Rumors writer Luke Adams provided his take on potential extension talks between the Knicks and Rose.
"When I identified five veteran extension candidates to watch earlier this month, I made Rose one of my five picks, despite the fact that the Knicks are currently over the cap.
The other four candidates (Derrick Favors, George Hill, Ersan Ilyasova and Paul George) I named are on clubs with cap space, which allows them to renegotiate a contract in addition to extending it, accommodating an immediate salary bump for the 2016/17 season."
