Free Agent this summer, Zach LaVine finally made the decision to pursue the adventure in Chicago by signing a new 5-year, 215 million contract. A logical choice for the rear which could not be seen visibly anywhere else.
When attacking the list of potential summer free agents, the name of Zach LaVine came up repeatedly in the rumors. The rear was coming out of two very solid seasons with Chicago, rewarded with two invitations to the All-Star Game, and his desire was clear: to go and get the famous max contract at the Free Agency. The big question was whether the management of the Bulls was on the same wavelength, especially since the player had had some minor knee problems in recent months. Faced with this uncertainty, several teams had been cited as potential destinations (Dallas, San Antonio, Portland). Ultimately, the suspense was short-lived, and the serial dunker locked his future in Windy City from the start of Free Agency. Happy to be in Chicago and having obtained a maximum deal, the rear has not even taken the time to discuss with other GMs. Comments transcribed by Jamal Collier fromESPN.
“I entered the offseason with an open mind. I set my goals, as I always have. Once I was able to meet Marc Eversley and Arturas Karnisovas and they presented me with everything I wanted, there was no reason for me to go see other teams. »
“I think that would have been disrespectful on my part, because they gave me everything I asked for. All that was on the table was Chicago with all the perks. I did my homework at my own pace, looked at things, and made a decision for me and my family. But my heart was in Chicago.”
This file being settled, the Bulls will be able to move on and we are obviously talking about the return to the forefront of Chicago and the quest for the title. With the Ball-DeRozan-LaVine-Vucevic quartet, as well as several talented role players to do the job around, the bulls will be among the main strike forces in the East. Of course, we have to hope that the injuries leave the group alone but also that everyone shows up at the expected level. By extending to Chicago, LaVine not only swore loyalty to the franchise, he also signed the biggest contract in Bulls history. We recall that Michael Jordan was paid 33 million during his last season in Illinois and LaVine will attack the 2022-23 fiscal year with a salary of… 36.6 million. Same position, same honesty but not really the same career accomplishments and that’s far from saying it. Zach got the XXL deal he wanted, he now has to prove on the field that he deserved it and turn Chicago around. Otherwise, the signed contract could quickly become a subject of criticism for fans and observers. He knows what he has to do.
Zach LaVine only met the Bulls at the Free Agency and it’s a sign the fullback sees his future with the bull franchise. The leaders put the tickets on the table, now we will have to show on the ground that it was deserved.
Text source: ESPN / Jamal Collier