As the Chicago Bulls went on a terrific overhaul in the offseason by adding big names like DeMar DeRozan, Lonzo Ball, and Alex Caruso, the Bulls surprised most NBA fans by being one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. It seemed like the year wherein the front office found the supplementary pieces alongside Zach LaVine and convince him to sign a new contract in the offseason.

Chicago began the year as one of the top seeds of the conference, but faltering over the last 30 games forced them to plummet to the sixth seed and go up against the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks in the playoffs. Succumbing in five games now moves their focus to the offseason and the major decision would be rewarding LaVine with a massive $212 million max contract. This may seem like a no-brainer for an All-Star like LaVine, but here are a f ew reasons for the franchise to remain wary on his career outlook.

Persisting knee issues throughout his career

As LaVine was on a midst of another phenomenal campaign this season, he was reported to have knee issues after the All-Star break. He missed only a couple of games as he knew the Bulls needed his scoring production and slashing abilities, but it was blatantly obvious his knees were drastically affecting him. His numbers took a huge dip after the break and his team was affected as well.

It was not only in this season wherein he had knee issues, but LaVine also tore his left ACL in his previous stint with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Being a high-flayer and constant slasher at the rim, his moves are more susceptible to injuries and pounding on the knees and legs. For an organization who has a ton of money committed to DeRozan, Ball, and Nikola Vucevic, they must be more cautious on the contract they will give LaVine.

Stars can easily ask out in this era

For some of the stars in the league who recently signed a max contract with their current team, it has been an incredible decision for them because the additional millions they will receive is enormous. Thus, there are some individuals who would just demand a trade from the front office if they become disappointed with the outlook and future performance of the franchise.

With the realistic possibility of DeRozan and Vucevic looking for another squad wherein they have a better chance of constantly winning a championship, LaVine could get irritated with the moves the Bulls will execute. Stars like James Harden, Anthony Davis, and Paul George are just some of the guys who recently requested a trade, and the organization had no chance but to grant it. If the Bulls plan to extend LaVine, they must have developed that utmost trust and confidence that they will not just give their money to someone who will eventually just leave them after a few season.

Subpar and inconsistent defensively

For a superstar and a consistent All-Star player in the NBA, one must be spectacular both ends of the court. The two-way prowess of LaVine is still questionable as he enters the peak of his career as opposing offenses usually hunt him on pick-and-roll situations because they know they could take advantage of his weakness. Furthermore, attacking LaVine on defense forces him to exert more effort at that end which could affect his stamina and energy on the offensive side.

The Bulls do have Ball, Caruso, and Patrick Williams as stellar defenders on their roster, but they still lack the size and athleticism to compete with the best in their conference. Thus, giving LaVine a large contract could limit their flexibility in adding ancillary pieces who could blossom into a two-way menace.

Arturas Karnisovas will have several arduous challenges to overcome in the offseason, but deliberating and negotiating the exact amount for LaVine's extension must be a priority. LaVine is still not in the superstar level, but he still has the upside to improve and expand his arsenal. This could be a rare chance for them to have a star talent on their hands, so they must thoroughly decide on this vital signing.