Zach LaVine Re-Signs with the Bulls

A few hours after I wrote Chicago Bulls, NBA Draft, Free Agency & KD , Zach LaVine agreed to a 5-year, $215.2 million contract with the Chicago Bulls. To say I am happy is an understatement.

This is great for the Chicago Bulls organization and the fans. LaVine is a hard-worker and loves Chicago. He wants to finish what he started here. The only thing I am worried about, as I’ve said many times, is a healthy Bulls team. For some reason, they just can’t seem to stay healthy. Whether it’s Zach LaVine, Lonzo Ball or Alex Caruso, the Bulls’ injuries seem to last much longer than injured players on other teams.

Hopefully they can have a healthy year, since the Bulls management wanted to “run it back” with the five starters they brought together over the last two seasons. As a healthy team, with a line up of Ball, LaVine, DeRozan, Williams, Vucevic, the Bulls were a number 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. I believe they can do it again, they just have to stay healthy.

With LaVine returning the GM and front office of the organization are taking a huge risk. His knee could end his career any minute, but it’s a risk they needed to take. LaVine is a star player and, in my opinion, he can lead Chicago to another championship.

Now, with LaVine returning, that also shuts down the rumor that KD is going to get traded to Chicago, which is fine with me. I much rather have Zach LaVine, who is loyal to his team and doesn’t jump ship every chance he gets. However, the Bulls could include LaVine in a package for KD, but it is very unlikely. Mainly because they just signed him and gave him the first max contract in Bulls history, but also because Zach and KD are friends, they would want to play together, so I don’t think it would work out. Not that the players have a choice, but KD wouldn’t stay past one season if that was the trade deal.

Another rumor that didn’t pan out is Rudy Gobert to the Bulls. I am so thankful for this, after seeing what the Timberwolves gave up for him. For one player, Gobert, Minnesota traded FOUR FIRST-ROUND PICKS and their 2022 first-round pick Walker Kessler. That is a insane trade on Minnesota’s part. Why would you give four first rounders for one guy who is not that good offensively. Admittedly, I was a fan of sending Vucevic to Utah for Gobert. However, in recent days I have changed my mind. Vucevic appears to be loyal to Chicago and to his teammates and I think he should get another chance.

I complained about him a lot, and rightfully so since he played pretty bad a majority of last season, but I would rather have loyalty on the Bulls than give up so much for one player who won’t make an impact on offense. There are also rumors that Gobert is a locker room cancer, and creates some pretty bad relationships on the team. That is another reason I rather not have him on the Bulls. Hopefully Vucevic can turn it on this coming season and help the team reach their high potential.

What happens next? I honestly think the Bulls are done making big moves. Management wanted to keep the same squad so they can build chemistry, and I don’t blame him. Championships aren’t won overnight. The Bulls may not win it this season, or next, but I think within LaVine’s five-year contract they will either make it to the finals or win a championship. Bet on it.