Zach LaVine expected to stay with the Chicago Bulls has the latest news buzzing once the free-agency negotiation period opens on June 30, 2022. LaVine’s next contract seems to focus on the fifth year of the deal. He is eligible for a 5-year contract agreement totaling about $215 million or $43 million per season. This contract ties him down through the 2026-2027 season.
Zach LaVine Expected to Stay with the Chicago Bulls
Much controversy circulated over the weeks that potential teams are eyeing Lavine’s free agency and transfer to their ball clubs. Teams like the Portland Trail Blazers and the San Antonio Spurs shouted out from the list. Additionally, the Atlanta Hawks and Los Angeles Lakers are potential teams that expressed interest in LaVine.
Over his 7-year career with the NBA, LaVine played from 2014 to 2017 with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Afterward, on June 22, 2017, he was traded along with Kris Dunn and the rights to Lauri Markkanen (7th pick, 2017 NBA Draft) to the Bulls. Consequently, the trade involved Jimmy Butler and the rights to Justin Patton (16th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft).
LaVine’s best performance was in the 2020-2021 season where he started in all 58 games playing 35.1 minutes per game. He delivered 27.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. Subsequently, he shot 50.7% from the field, 41.9% from the three-point range, and 84.9% from the free-throw area. Last season, he poured in 24.4 points, hauled 4.6 rebounds, and dished 4.5 dimes per game for the Chicago Bulls.
The Future of LaVine with Chicago
The Chicago Bulls have its main objective set on Zach LaVine. To sum it up, re-signing the shooting guard is their priority. The Bulls will have to settle their salary cap among its players to retain a roster that could greatly improve, with LaVine re-signing in the Windy City.
Over the last three seasons, LaVine scored the 10th most points of any player in the NBA for the Chicago ball club. His offensive firepower is indispensable, and losing LaVine this off-season would be a tragedy for the Bulls.
Chicago can further improve with Zach LaVine expected to stay with the Chicago Bulls. The team will have the luxury to find a reliable backup to Center Nikola Vucevic, add shooters, and augment the defense with strong players. In short, with improvements in place, they could be all set for the NBA Title contention.