If there was any concern that Zach LaVine didn't sign his max contract with the Chicago Bulls right at the start of 2022 NBA free agency, that's now gone. LaVine has agreed to a five-year, $215.2 million max contract with the Bulls, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium. The fifth year is a player option.
All signs had pointed to LaVine staying in Chicago, which made it curious that he didn't just re-sign right away like Bradley Beal did. But it seems there was never really anything to worry about, and now he has given his commitment to a Bulls team that made the playoffs for the first time since 2017 this past season.
The playoff appearance was also the first of LaVine's career. The Bulls star battled through a knee injury for much of the 2021-22 season, which saw him earn his second consecutive All-Star selection. Even with the knee problems, the 27-year-old averaged averaged 24.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.5 assists while shooting 47.6% from the field and 38.9% from 3-point range.
Chicago lost in the first round to the Milwaukee Bucks, and now the team is trying to take the next step. The Bulls have been rather quiet so far in free agency outside of re-signing LaVine, coming to terms with veteran center Andre Drummond on Thursday.
The question is if the rest of this offseason will be quiet for Chicago or if the front office has something up its sleeve. The Bulls are monitoring the Kevin Durant and Rudy Gobert trade situations. While KD is a major long shot, perhaps a blockbuster Gobert trade could be in the works. Chicago has been mentioned as a possible Gobert destination.
Stay tuned.
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