Objectively grading each Chicago Bulls free agency move so far
By Ryan Heckman
Grading the Chicago Bulls’ signing of Zach LaVine
Going into this summer, it appeared the Bulls did not have a choice. Their best option at remaining competitive was to re-sign Zach LaVine to a max deal. Otherwise, this would be a no. 8 seed team at best without him.
Last season, LaVine finally earned his first All Star bid and he finished the year averaging 24.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists while shooting 39 percent from three.
The only reason this signing doesn’t earn an ‘A’ is due to the fact that LaVine is going to earn an average of $43 million per year, which is closer to salaries like Stephen Curry, James Harden and LeBron James than it is players of his caliber.
Make no mistake, LaVine is an excellent player and could still prove to be worthy of this type of cash. He’s only 27 years old and just now in his prime. From here, it’s time for LaVine to prove he’s capable of being the alpha in every facet of the game. He has to be the vocal leader willing to do whatever it takes to get this Bulls team over the hump.
If he can’t be that guy, then he’s not quite worth the money. But, today’s NBA contracts are what they are, and the Bulls can’t change that.