Chicago Bulls: 3 reasons Zach LaVine deserves max contract extension

While the majority of the league is involved in the NBA playoffs in some fashion, the Chicago Bulls fell just short of making the play-in tournament. As they sit back and watch their fellow Eastern Conference squads battle it out, one particular player likely can’t help but wonder: what if?

What if Zach LaVine wasn’t forced to miss a couple of weeks due to health and safety protocol? Had LaVine not tested positive for coronavirus, he would not have missed 11 games.

If LaVine played in all 11 of those games, chances are the Bulls would be involved in the playoffs in some fashion — and this entire conversation we’re about to have would be even easier.

Since the Bulls missed the postseason, LaVine and his teammates got their chance to hold an end-of-season press conference much sooner than they would have liked. During LaVine’s time with the media, he didn’t beat around the bush when it came to an important topic.

Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine was asked about a potential max contract extension.

When the topic of a maximum contract extension came up, LaVine did acknowledge that he typically allows all of that to take care of itself — hinting that his agent would handle the details.

However, LaVine did offer one specific, pointed answer during his response, stating: “I definitely want what I deserve.”

That type of statement should send a clear message to Vice President Arturas Karnisovas and his general manager, Marc Eversley. LaVine wants to stick around Chicago, but he also wants a max deal.

After the Bulls getting what now looks like the ultimate bargain back in 2018, LaVine is after a much bigger paycheck. Does he deserve a max contract? In short: yes. But, there are three key reasons why the Bulls have to pay the man.