The NBA is the most notorious league for star players controlling their own location. And the Chicago Bulls saw their star shooting guard Zach LaVine take control of his situation in the Windy City this week.
From major free agent tours to forcing trades, it happens year-in and year-out. The most notable example this season came from superstar James Harden, who requested a trade, albeit remaining engaged with the Houston Rockets organization as best he could with one foot out the door.
That foot ironically landed in Brooklyn with former teammate Kevin Durant and superstar guard Kyrie Irving. Meanwhile, the Rockets are now a mess.
So on March 26 when Bulls guard LaVine told reporters he wants to stay in Chicago, it should bring relief among Bulls fans that they’re turning more into the Nets than the Rockets.
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Sure, the money still needs to align on both sides, but in the NBA the stars choose where they want to go, and LaVine doesn’t seem to want to go anywhere.
“I haven’t had anything of wanting to leave,” he told reporters. “When that time comes, obviously I’ll try to do the best I can to stay here. Adding someone like and being more attractive in the free-agent market to bring more players here is always a bonus for any player.”
Credit Bulls general manager Marc Eversley.
He pulled a Tampa Bay Buccaneers and made sure his superstar player felt valued by attacking the market. That attack led to the trade yesterday that allowed the Bulls to acquire all-star Nikola Vucevic.
Now Eversley has four tasks: re-sign LaVine, surround the two-headed LaVine-Vucevic monster with an all-star point guard, sign a veteran or two chasing a championship (similar to what contenders are trying to do with forward LaMarcus Aldridge this season) and draft well to ensure the foundation has quality role players suitable for the championship run.
It’s how you build a team in today’s NBA. It seems Eversley gets that and his plan is in motion.
Even better, though? His superstar is on board with it. And for that, Bulls nation should be thankful.