NBA

Zach LaVine ‘expected to stay with Chicago Bulls

If the reports prove true, this could be very good for the franchise and particularly bad for the rest of the league when the Bulls get going.

Chicago TribuneGetty

As one of the most talented young prospects in the league LaVine’s future has been the subject of intense speculation, but perhaps that’s all about to come to an end.

Will Zach LaVine re-sign with Chicago Bulls?

When the Chicago Bulls’ Zach LaVine was asked about his future a few weeks ago, the conversation was in the context of his team’s elimination from the playoffs at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks and perhaps even more importantly, his coming free agency. At the time LaVine said that planned “to enjoy free agency.” In the days and weeks that followed there were constant reports and rumors linking him with the Blazers, the Spurs and even the Lakers. That, however, now seems to be in the past as according to reports, LaVine is expected to put pen to paper on a new deal with the Bulls.

A two time All-Star, LaVine’s focus in his negotiations with the franchise has been on the fifth year of a potential max deal. As things stand the deal is worth an estimated $212 million, but it should be said that it remains unclear as to what the fine print is i.e. will there be a player option or non-guarantee in the final season for the Bulls star?

Could Zach LaVine’s history of injuries affect any deal?

Having recently had an operation on his knee and a also a history of knee problems, there have indeed been questions raised about LaVine’s staying power, which is to say there are real doubts about his longevity. With that being said it remains a no brainer that Chicago will do whatever they can to keep the prolific shooting guard, but it may well be on the condition of some form of contractual clause, that protects the franchise should his fitness and health come into question. Regardless, what we can assume at this point is that with aforementioned reports suggesting he will stay, the two sides are clearly in agreement once again.

Keeping Zach LaVine can only be a good thing for the Bulls

If you had even a cursory glance at the Bulls this season, it wouldn’t have taken you long to figure out that when LaVine, Lonzo Ball, Alex Caruso and DeMar DeRozan were all fit and ready to go, the Bulls were easily one of the best teams in the NBA. If in fact they do manage to hold on to their main man and he and his teammates can avoid nagging injuries, then expect the Bulls to go far when the next season rolls around. That is of course without mentioning the moves that they have been making in the market. At present Chicago has been linked to Rudy Gobert, Nikola Vucevic and a No. 18 pick to boot. As was said before, if they can get the band back together expect the Bulls to go far.

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