During the offseason, former league MVP Derrick Rose made the decision to sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers for the veteran’s minimum worth $2.1 million over one year.
Although it’s a major step down from what he could earn, Rose recently told Dave McMenamin of ESPN that he believes he can work his way to a big payday in the near future.
“I get a chance to reintroduce myself back to the league. I get to bet on myself. That was one of the reasons I came here, I get to bet on myself. And I’m from Chicago, I’ve got that hustling side; it’s in me, man. Next time you’ve got to pay me, you’ve got to pay me double, so it’s fine with me.”
The 28-year-old is taking a huge personal bet on himself to show that he is worth a huge long-term deal next summer in free agency. It’s a risk that he’s taking to show not only the Cavs but potentially other teams that he is still playing at a high level.
Derrick Rose will have the opportunity to demonstrate that this upcoming season in a significant role as he will be the starting point to begin the year with Isaiah Thomas still sidelined until likely January. Meanwhile, he is also expected to lead the second unit as the primary ball handler and offensive contributor.
Even when Thomas does return, Derrick Rose will remain a huge part of the puzzle that could see him retain a significant offensive role behind LeBron James. Ultimately, if he can display that he can still perform like one of the better point guards in the league, it could put him in line to cash in a big way next summer.