Zach LaVine has yet to play a competitive game for his new team, the Chicago Bulls, after arriving along with Kris Dunn in the blockbuster draft-day trade for Jimmy Butler. LaVine continues to rehabilitate after suffering a season-ending torn ACL with the Minnesota Timberwolves last season.
But even while they have yet to get a true sense of how LaVine will perform post-injury, the Bulls front office looks fully committed to the 22-year-old wingman for the long-term.
According to ESPN’s Nick Friedell, Bulls vice president of basketball operations John Paxson said in a recent radio interview that LaVine is part of their future and that they will retain him.
John Paxson couldn’t be clearer on LaVine’s future with Bulls to @WaddleandSilvy: “Zach is a part of our future and we will retain him.”
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) October 19, 2017
LaVine, who is set to become a restricted free agent next offseason, had been having breakout year for the Timberwolves last season prior to his injury. He averaged nearly 19 points on 46 percent shooting through 47 games.
A two-time slam dunk champion, LaVine possesses a lot of potential offensively due to his elite athleticism and shooting ability. However, there remain question marks about his overall basketball IQ and defensive competence.
But after making LaVine a foundational piece in the Butler trade even though he was injured, the Bulls clearly believe in his star potential. Barring an unforeseen setback with his knee, he figures to be a key piece in Chicago's ongoing rebuilding project.
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