Despite Inking $260,000,000 Contracts, Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball Might Lose $54.1 Million Because of Derrick Rose

Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball are two of the most highly-rated young talents in the NBA. Recently, both of them signed a rookie max extension worth $260,000,000 with their respective teams. A fair amount of money for the Minnesota Timberwolves star and the Charlotte Hornets star. However, they may lose a significant chunk of it, specifically $54,100,000 thanks to Derrick Rose. The subject of the Rose Rule was introduced in 2011.

ANT and Melo have been sensational ever since they were drafted in 2020. Their performances on the court have seen them rise to All-Star level status. In fact, many believe they both have the potential to be the future faces of the league. As such, their skills warranted their incredible rookie extensions. But, they may not be able to access all that money unless they fulfill certain criteria.

Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball could lose $54,100,000 of their rookie extensions thanks to Derrick Rose

In 2011, the CBA introduced the 5th year, 30% max criteria. Better known as the Rose Rule, it was implemented because of Derrick Rose and his performances on the court. Having won the MVP under his rookie contract, the rule was introduced in order to better compensate outstanding rookies.

A regular designated rookie extension allows young stars to qualify for a higher maximum salary that is 25% of the salary cap. However, with the Rose Rule, they are eligible for 30%, granted they fulfill certain criteria. This includes making an All-NBA team, winning the Defensive Player of the Year, or winning the MVP award.

With this in mind, Anthony Edwards and LaMelo recently signed five-year, $260,000,000 rookie max extensions with the Timberwolves and Hornets respectively. As such, if they were to complete any of the aforementioned achievements they could see a bump in their salary from 25% to 30%. But, if they were to fail, they stand to lose close to $54,100,000, and it would be all because of D-Rose.

Safe to say both ANT and Melo will be looking to ball out over the next few seasons. And, hopefully, we will get to see both of them succeed and rake in all the money from their rookie contracts.

Ja Morant lost $39,000,000 thanks to the Rose Rule after missing out on All-NBA selection

Ja Morant is the perfect example for Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball to look at when considering the Rose Rule. Just like them, Ja signed a max rookie extension with close to $200,000,000 last year. The extension was worth at least 25% of the salary cap, but he could have pocketed 30% if he had made an All-NBA team.

Unfortunately, off-the-court issues saw Morant lose out on the selection, and, by missing the cut, he stands to lose at least $39,000,000 over the next five seasons.

It certainly is a lot of money. As such, both Ball and Edwards would do well to not follow Morant’s example and focus solely on their performances on the court.