Chicago Bulls: Looking at 5 potential offseason moves

Re-signing LaVine will be of the utmost importance.

The Bulls didn’t trade Butler just for kicks and giggles a year ago. No, they wanted to get something in return that would give them some sort of building blocks for the future. They got just that with LaVine.

This summer, it’s unclear just yet what LaVine’s market value will be. With all of the ridiculous contracts being handed out over the last two years or so, one could only guess that LaVine will demand a decent amount of cash.

Since coming back from his ACL injury, LaVine has looked good. He definitely looks better than one particular former Bull after a major knee injury — I won’t go there.

LaVine talked recently about his thoughts on being a max-contract player, via Bleacher Report:

"I see myself being an elite player in this league. I’m going to work for that every day until I get there."

He went on to say he wasn’t worried about the summer and that he has a strong feeling the Bulls will retain him. Thankfully, there aren’t any swirling rumors about him wanting out — yet. The only scenario I see where I wouldn’t want LaVine back is if he indeed commands a max contract. I’d have to believe the Bulls would bow out if that was the case.

If it’s not the case and Forman and Paxson are smart, they will work day and night until they get him locked in for the future. Then, and only then, can they go forward with additional offseason moves.