MVP Rose Signs Extension With Bulls

Five-year, $94 million deal kicks in at the beginning of the next season

Derrick Rose, the NBA's reigning MVP, has signed a five-year, $94 million contract extension with the Chicago Bulls.

"I never would have thought in a million years I'd sign a contract like this," Rose said at the news conference at the Berto Center on Wednesday. "No one from Englewood's ever been in my position, so sometimes I think, why me?

The always-humble Rose professed gratitute to God, the Bulls, the city of Chicago and his fans. Turning to his mother, Brenda, he said, "Mom, we finally made it."

Coach Tom Thibodeau said Rose was a loyal member of the team and said he couldn't think "of anyone who is more deserving."

A night earlier, it was Rose expressing gratitude for the Bulls' loyalty.

"They stay loyal with me and show that they trust in me by picking me just to come here. I just feel blessed and I'm just happy I'm here," Rose said from the locker room after the team's 95-86 win over the Indiana Pacers at the United Center."

The extension kicks in at the beginning of the next season and comes after a new rule in the collective bargaining agreement -- nicknamed the "Derrick Rose Rule" -- which rewards players for out-performing their rookie scale.

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