Derrick Rose believes he’ll double his salary next season

The Cleveland Cavaliers took a pretty low-risk gamble this season when they signed Derrick Rose to a minimum contract worth $2.1 million. The 28 year old former MVP has a chip on his shoulder and is looking to breathe new life into his career alongside LeBron James.

A strong season with the Cavs could help elevate his status around the NBA once again. By showing he can adapt and be part of a winning team, he can change the tune of his doubters and critics.

Via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Rose knows he has an opportunity to earn another payday beyond this season:

"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."

A motivated Rose is a very good thing for the Cavaliers. He has looked great throughout the preseason and after a reality check with the lack of offers this summer, he knows he will need to expand his game if he’s looking to cash in.

It also doesn’t hurt from a Cavs perspective that if Rose does return to form, he only wants to double his salary. $4.2 million would be a very small price to pay for a revitalized Derrick Rose (I couldn’t resist).