3 Concerns Bulls Should Have Negotiating with Zach LaVine

3. The Bulls must be fair but still cautious with their money

“It’s going to come with challenges as far as writing him a blank check, five years, $212 million,” said Bobby Marks in his assessment of the situation. “I would have a lot of sleepless nights writing him that check. Years four and five would be a killer, especially if this injury lingers around.”

It’s hard to disagree that a simple max offer would be too much for Chicago to gamble on, but the question then turns to what would be fair to both sides. LaVine deserves more, but the Bulls also deserve some assurance when shelling out that much money as well.

Short of a five-year, fully guaranteed contract, the Bulls could work with LaVine on some protections in case the injury bug strikes again, such as him needing to play at least 60 to 65 games over the first couple of seasons to trigger guarantees in the later seasons of the contract.

In the end, it’s going to come down to the Bulls making LaVine happy while also protecting their ability to stay competitive for the next five years and beyond. The want is there from both sides, but it’s going to take some work and compromise from everyone involved to make it happen.