Which statement is true regarding extending a rookie scale contract?

Extending a rookie scale contract provides flexibility in salary negotiations as it allows teams to secure a player's services beyond their initial contract terms while potentially managing their salary cap space. By extending the contract, teams can negotiate terms that may be more beneficial for both the player and the team compared to the constraints of the initial rookie scale contract. This flexibility can be particularly valuable to teams trying to balance their roster and maintain financial viability, as they can structure the extension in a way that fits better within their overall salary cap strategy.

Other options fall short in contexts relevant to the dynamics of rookie contracts. For instance, extending a rookie scale contract is not always beneficial, as the team's finances and the player's performance can influence the outcome. A team can extend a contract even if they are over the cap, given that there are mechanisms that allow teams to operate over the salary cap in certain situations, including re-signing their own players. Additionally, extending a contract does not guarantee a starting position, as starting roles are determined by performance and team needs rather than just contractual status.