Chicago Bulls: 5 offseason questions looming large

How does the Zach LaVine situation play out?

I know LaVine seems to want to stay in Chicago. As much as I want to believe that, I have questions.

First, let’s say he absolutely doesn’t want to go anywhere else. How much money does he want? How much money is he worth? If his answer is somewhere around the likes of a max contract, I’d call the deal off if I’m the front office.

I like LaVine. I think he’s a talented player and someone who could be a great player in this league. But, is he a true superstar type of talent? No, and you can’t convince me otherwise — yet.

If LaVine is OK not taking max money and staying in Chicago, maybe we see a potential superstar unleash himself on the NBA in the future. Then, and only then, will that kind of money be acceptable. Right now, he isn’t the caliber of player who deserves it.

He isn’t the kind of guy you can bet on to win a game for you in the fourth quarter. Sure, he’ll score some buckets. But, will he be able to consistently close a game for the team? I don’t see it just yet.

Next: Bulls: 5 veteran point guards who could add value

My other question is this: How would any team justify spending max money on a player who just came off an ACL tear? I get it. He came back and played well. He looked himself relatively quickly after returning. But, something still doesn’t feel right about giving him all of that money this soon.