Where former members of the Chicago Bulls core are at now?
Zach LaVine, SG
As one of the most prominent members of the Bulls’ former young core, the star former UCLA Bruins shooting guard LaVine is also one of the most critical parts of the newfound core. Karnisovas and Eversley look to be trying everything they can to establish a solid foundation to help LaVine get to the postseason for the first time in his career in the near future.
In the season that was for LaVine and the Bulls, he averaged 27.4 points per game, 5.0 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.5 blocks. And he shot 50.7 percent from the field, 41.9 percent from beyond the arc, and 84.9 percent from the free-throw line. Another year of LaVine posting career-best counting stats, shooting percentages, and advanced stats shows his importance to the Bulls moving forward.
What originally brought LaVine to the Windy City was that infamous trade also involving Markkanen and Dunn with the Timberwolves back in 2017. LaVine, Markkanen, and Dunn landed with the Bulls in exchange for Butler. It is a deal that is now looking like the Bulls came out winners since LaVine has established himself as a bona fide star in the NBA.
LaVine got his first career All-Star nod this year, and more should be on the way in the near future. Just now likely entering the prime years of his career, the Bulls should continue to prioritize building around the likes of LaVine and the newly acquired Vucevic. LaVine is set to enter the final year of his current contract next season, so it could be paramount for Karnisovas and Eversley to get his contract extended soon.