Chicago Bulls Rumors: Zach LaVine is not happy, so now what?

Chicago Bulls, Zach LaVine (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Chicago Bulls, Zach LaVine (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /
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The current state of the Chicago Bulls is … less than ideal, and that’s some serious sugarcoating.

The Bulls are 3-7 in their last 10 games and losers of four in a row. The team just gave up a whopping 150 points — in regulation — to the Minnesota Timberwolves, who were down both Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert.

Now, a new report from Shams Charania states that the Bulls and guard Zach LaVine are “not seeing eye-to-eye.”

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Without delving into the story, it’s obvious the Bulls and LaVine have issues. He has clearly not been fully healthy — or at least, that’s a likely excuse for his poor play almost all season long.

LaVine has not been good. Since signing that max deal, he’s looked maybe the worst he’s looked since he was a rookie. He hasn’t had his shot. The aggression isn’t there. And, oh, by the way, he still can’t play defense.

What do the Chicago Bulls do with Zach LaVine?

LaVine’s contract is for five years at $215 million. That’s a hefty contract for a guy with knee concerns, first and foremost. It looks even worse when you factor in that LaVine really wasn’t worth that money to begin with.

Knee issues aside, LaVine was never worthy of a max deal. But, did the Bulls really have a choice? What else were they going to do if they’re truly trying to compete?

Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley didn’t know Lonzo Ball would be in his current predicament when they made the move to land him, of course. But, between Ball and LaVine, the Bulls are in an incredibly difficult position with their back court — especially financially.

At this point, there are two options. Either LaVine can finally get himself healthy and to a point where he can be the guy he should be, or the Bulls start the gut-wrenching process of admitting that they need to tear this thing down … again.

Yet another rebuild would be problematic for many reasons, but could it be the only logical option for Chicago?

This team is not going anywhere, and they might never go further than they did a season ago. With that in mind, is it too farfetched to think they should try shopping LaVine’s contract prior to this year’s deadline?

There aren’t any easy answers for the Bulls right now, and that’s the only thing we do know.

Related Story. Bulls: LaVine’s splits highlight a major need. light