CHANCE FOR NBA TITLE ENTICES EX-MVP ROSE TO JOIN CAVALIERS

Free-agent guard signs after turbulent season with Knicks.

In announcing Tuesday’s signing of three-time All-Star Derrick Rose, new Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman admitted that the 2011 NBA MVP could have gone to a number of other teams.

But as Rose said in a statement, he chose the place where he could best compete for a championship.

The Cavs have been to the NBA Finals for three consecutive seasons and won the title in 2016.

Free-agent point guard Rose, 28, agreed to terms of a one-year contract for the veteran’s minimum of $2.1 million Monday. Traded from the Chicago Bulls in June 2016, Rose spent a tumultuous season with the New York Knicks, averaging 18 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.4 assists in 64 games while shooting .471 from the field, his best percentage since 2009-10.

“I have a single focus and purpose of wanting to play to win,” Rose said in a statement. “Being part of a roster and organization that shares that type of commitment and being able to play with the Cavaliers and compete for a championship is the only thing that matters for me. I am very happy to be in Cleveland and look forward to getting to work.”

In his eight-year career, Rose has averaged 19.5 points, 3.7 rebounds and six assists in 34.7 minutes through 470 games (469 starts). In 2010-11, he had career highs in points (25) and rebounds (4.1), along with 7.7 assists while leading his hometown Bulls to a leaguebest 62-20 record.

The No. 1 overall pick in 2008, Rose also was named the 2009 rookie of the year to go along with All-Star selections in three consecutive seasons starting in 2010.