Chicago Bulls players who have earned a contract extension this season: Zach LaVine
As if any doubt still remained, LaVine has thoroughly proven he’s a superstar player deserving of a max contract extension from the Bulls. After signing LaVine to a four-year, $78 million extension in 2018, the Bulls have profited immensely on their gambit that locked down an electric scorer to a team-friendly deal while the franchise was given time to rebuild.
During the course of that contract, LaVine has thus far averaged 25.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game while maintaining incredible efficiency, including 39.8 percent shooting from beyond the arc. When Zach hits unrestricted free agency this summer, he’s sure to be a hot commodity and will finally cash in on the first max contract of his career.
The only question that remains to be seen is whether or not that max contract will be signed by the Bulls. “I want to stay in Chicago. I haven’t had anything of wanting to leave. When that time comes, obviously I’ll try to do the best I can to stay here,” LaVine reportedly told 670 The Score’s Cody Westerlund after last season’s trade deadline that saw the team acquire Nikola Vucevic, “Adding someone like and being more attractive in the free-agent market to bring more players here is always a bonus for any player.”
If LaVine desired to stay in Chicago then, he should be thrilled at the opportunity to remain with the team. After making crucial acquisitions in DeRozan, Ball, and Caruso, the Bulls have clearly done all they can to satisfy LaVine’s desire to be a part of a real contender. These moves have already fielded tangible results as the Bulls have skyrocketed to a 25-10 record and a comfortable first-place position in the Eastern Conference.
Provided Zach continues his stellar play, he’ll even be in the running for a spot on an All-NBA team. If he successfully reaches this landmark, LaVine will qualify for the supermax and will see his potential earnings increase from a projected max extension of 5 years, $207 million to a supermax deal closing in on the ballpark of 5 years, $242 million.