Free agency is just around the corner, and the Chicago Bulls are going to have to make a decision on Zach LaVine.
Just last year we were talking about how Zach LaVine is going that guy for the Chicago Bulls. When the Bulls traded Jimmy Butler, they viewed Zach as the centerpiece of that deal. That trade would not have went down if Minnesota didn’t include LaVine.
Oh how things have changed. A year later the future of Zach LaVine with the Bulls is unknown. He is currently a restricted free agent. Zach is 23-years-old and is heading into his fifth season in the NBA. He spent his first three seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Last season was his first season with the Bulls.
During his third season in the league, Zach LaVine suffered a torn ACL. He only played in 24 games for the Chicago Bulls because he was still recovering from surgery. In 24 games for the Bulls, LaVine averaged 16.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. There were times last season where LaVine struggled to make an impact on the court, but there were also times where he showed some flashes.
Here is my take on the whole Zach LaVine situation
No matter what the Chicago Bulls have to sign Zach LaVine to a long term deal. I don’t care if it’s for a max deal, or less then a max. This signing has to happen. Obviously the Chicago Bulls don’t think LaVine is that guy to build around for anymore, but that doesn’t matter. Lauri Markkanen is going to be a superstar in this league, and he’s going to need some help. The Bulls shouldn’t waste Markkanen’s years, and take advantage of this opportunity.
When the Bulls traded for LaVine, the hope was that they you were going to sign him to a long term deal. Now is their chance to make that happen. LaVine has been working his butt off this summer.
To be the best you have to work the hardest, and that’s what LaVine has been doing this offseason. The Bulls and Zach have to come to some sort of an agreement. The Bulls have continued to say that they hope to retain LaVine. K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune reported that the Bulls would prefer to re-sign Zach in the $14 to $16 million range annually. Last season LaVine wasn’t 100 percent, and it’s unfair to judge him of what he did last season. He finally has a full summer of working out and he has been taking that very seriously.
If the Bulls don’t sign LaVine to a long term deal, then they should never have traded Jimmy Butler. It’s all going down on June 30th at 11:01 p.m. CT.
Next: The Chicago Bulls should sign Doug McDermott
The Chicago Bulls are officially on the clock. Will they sign Zach LaVine to a long term deal? We are going to find out real soon.