Are the Chicago Bulls having second thoughts about Zach LaVine?
The Chicago Bulls can’t seem to make up their mind about Zach LaVine. So where does he stand now?
The Chicago Bulls will have an enormous decision to make this offseason. Now that the NBA Draft is behind them, they can begin to focus on free agency. Perhaps the biggest free agent decision they will decide on is on their current roster. Zach LaVine is set to become a restricted free agent. Will the Bulls re-sign him, let him test the market or watch him walk?
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Well, the answer to this question is becoming increasingly less clear by the day. Just a couple of weeks ago, Amico Hoops reported that the Bulls were likely to match any offer made to LaVine this offseason. I previously questioned the soundness of that decision.
While there are terms under which it might make sense to bring back LaVine, “at all costs” isn’t one of them.
It would defy logic to match anything close to a max deal for LaVine. He’s an average shooter, who struggles mightily on defense and with ball movement.
Once you get past his amazing athleticism and impressive dunks, there isn’t a whole lot there. In other words, he’s more sizzle than steak.
Bulls may still lock up restricted free agent Zach LaVine this summer -- but as an organization the near universal support LaVine once had internally isn't there anymore. Bulls will wait to see if he can find big $$$ elsewhere first and then decide if they want to match.
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) June 22, 2018
Based on a report today, the Bulls may be coming to their senses. Maybe they had a moment of clarity and realized the insanity of their plan. As of today, they may still end up re-signing LaVine, but are no longer prepared to match any offer. That seems like a more reasonable approach to a career 43 percent shooter (37 percent from three-point range).
Next: Pro comparisons for Bulls draft picks
Bottom Line
In order to keep the rebuild on track, the Bulls must be careful not to place all their financial eggs in one basket. While they addressed a couple of needs in the draft, they must maintain the financial flexibility to address many others and continue to build around Markkanen. It is with this mindset that the Bulls must approach the Zach LaVine situation. We’ll see if they do.