Knicks can extend Rose early

Through 17 games, point guard Derrick Rose has shown enough progress that a lucrative new contract could be in store for him with the Knicks this summer.

However, Rose, who scored a team-high 30 points Monday in a 112-103 loss against Oklahoma City, can get some security now if Knicks president Phil Jackson is convinced later this season he doesn’t view him as just a one-year rental.

Because Rose’s last contract was more than three years ago, the former Bull is eligible for one of those pre-free-agency “veteran extensions’’ that Russell Westbrook signed over the summer.

By CBA rules, Rose’s veteran extension can only be three years long and start at 7.5 percent higher than his current wage. The extension package would be for approximately three years, $75 million.

“I haven’t talked to them about it,’’ Rose told The Post. “It’s been more about winning games. We’ll see. I’m more concerned with trying to win games, but it’s something I’d have to talk about with my family and team.’’

According to an NBA source, the Knicks have not approached Rose about an extension, but have not ruled it out for late in the season. The Knicks apparently want to make sure his body holds up across a full season and would be willing to pay more this summer if they had to.

Rose is the 14th-highest paid player this season at $21.3M. If he signs an extension now, next season’s salary begin at $23 million. H

If he waits until this summer, Rose’s maximum starting salary could be as high as $29 million. That would allow him a chance to sign a 5-year package worth $175 million if he stays with the Knicks — four years if he leaves.

Lance Thomas missed his eighth straight game with his foot issues but could return to his first practice Tuesday.