Chicago Bulls Roster & Trade Rumors: Derrick Rose Says 'We're a Contender' in the East

After saying that it will be fun seeing his critics eat their own words, Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls had more good things to say about his team's future.

In an ESPN report, the Bulls point guard said that he is happy with his team's decisions in improving its roster over the summer.

Rose said, "I think we have a contender. I wouldn't say ... (people) were saying put us at the top of the East or whatever, but we have a contender team. We know as a team what we were trying to do. We all have one goal. And individually, this whole summer I think everybody worked on their games, and everybody's trying to compete for that title next year."

In the past three NBA seasons, Rose only managed to play 48 games due to a torn ACL in his left knee followed by a torn meniscus in his right knee. He, however, shared that he is fully healthy and can even start playing right away if the season would start today.

Rose said that it was tough not being able to land Knicks star Carmelo Anthony, but added that there were other good things for Chicago to look forward to.

"Who wouldn't be disappointed? But at the same time you can't get mad with the decision he made. If you put yourself in that position, that's a hard decision. You've got your family to think about, you've got money to think about. Not to say that you shouldn't think about money, but when you're talking about millions and millions of dollars, you can't just put that behind you. So I'm not mad about the decision that he made and I wish him nothing but the best."

Nevertheless, the Bulls did acquire Pau Gasol from the Los Angeles Lakers. In a report by CSN Chicago, Rose said, "Great. When you think about Gasol, him winning championships and bringing that experience to our team, and him being around our bigs, like Joakim. Talking to them, giving them advice - like come on, that's all we needed. You add Aaron Brooks, you add Jimmy coming in all in the mix, so many people, McDermott - I think we'll be a contender, a strong contender."

He further said that although the Bulls are also trying to get Kevin Love in the future, his primary objective is to stay healthy. Rose will be playing in the USA Team for the FIBA World Cup 2014.