A big looming storyline this offseason for the Chicago Bulls involved the potential contract extension talks with star shooting guard Zach LaVine. But nothing would materialize in terms of the contract extension discussion between LaVine’s camp and the Bulls’ front office.
Knowing some of the details of what would’ve had to happen for the Bulls and LaVine to reach a deal on a contract extension this summer, it’s not all that surprising that nothing materialized. LaVine is going to get a lot more money if he signs next offseason than he would have got this summer.
LaVine is likely to get a contract around five years worth a total of just over $200 million in total if he signs next summer. Of course, that’s assuming he continues his quest to superstardom next season as he has in the last few years.
Zach LaVine and the Chicago Bulls weren’t very close to signing an extension this summer
According to a report from Brian Windhorst of ESPN this weekend, the Bulls’ front office and LaVine did have discussions about a contract extension this summer. But the two parties weren’t able to “find common ground” in talks.
And again, that isn’t all too shocking considering how much money LaVine could get in 2022.
Executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley went all out this summer to get LaVine some help and make a real postseason push heading into next season. LaVine is in the midst of a very talented projected starting five next season.
Some names to watch include star shooting guard/forward DeMar DeRozan, star center Nikola Vucevic, and point guard Lonzo Ball. LaVine himself will be on a quest to get his second All-Star selection in a row next season, as he will still be the focal point of this Bulls’ starting unit.
LaVine and the Bulls are set to open up Training Camp in just a few days here, specifically set to begin on Sep. 28. And then, the preseason slate tips-off for LaVine and the Bulls on Oct. 5 at home at the United Center against the Cleveland Cavaliers.