Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine is set to hit unrestricted free agency this summer. But before going through that free agency process, LaVine just went through another one: sneaker free agency.

After leaving Adidas and then trying out a number of different shoes this season during an intense courtship, LaVine decided to strike a deal with New Balance:

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LaVine is now a New Balance teammate with Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, as well as fellow stars Jamal Murray and Dejounte Murray, among other NBA talents. In an interview with Ruben Palacios for CBS Sports, the Bulls star talked about why he chose New Balance in sneaker free agency:

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They cared a lot. It's always really good to be wanted and for someone to invest in you. I wasn't scared to do something a little bit different. I think New Balance is doing something great on and off the court. For me, personally, to have them to allow me to be creative and tell my story, brand myself with them and grow with them is something that meant a lot. I was able to talk with the marketing team. I was able to talk with the owners so it was a good process.

The Bulls All-Star is hoping to get a signature shoe out of this deal, but he was predictably mum on any details about that given he just joined the team.

As for actual NBA free agency, don't expect to see LaVine teaming up with Kawhi Leonard on the court. All signs point toward LaVine re-signing with the Bulls, though you never know what can happen. Chicago is in line to make the playoffs, which would be the first time in the guard's career, but a recent slump amid his nagging knee injury has put something of a damper on this season after such a strong strong.

Still, even just getting a taste of postseason basketball will be good for LaVine, and he'll be doing it while rocking New Balance kicks.