ESPN is likely to keep its current "Countdown" team of Jalen Rose, Doug Collins and Sage Steele for the 15-16 season.

The current trio has been considered its "highest-functioning" unit of the past decade.

Rose is considered a rising star at ESPN, according to a source. Rose joined the show with Bill Simmons, but the ousting of the Grantland Editor-in-Chief hasn't impacted Rose's stature within the company.