Zach LaVine is expected to sign a new deal with the Chicago Bulls once the free agency window opens on June 30, Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report reports. LaVine will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
They were several reports suggesting LaVine’s return to Chicago is not a sure thing, as the scoring swingman admitted he wants to enjoy free agency. Once his rookie contract ended, the Bulls offered him a $20M deal for four years.
“I plan to enjoy free agency with what it is as a whole. I think you’re going to have to experience A-Z without making any fast decisions.
I think that’s something that me and (agent) Rich (Paul) get to go through and experience,” he said at the Bulls’ season-end interview.
Now he will have the option to pick his destination as he signed the $100M deal for four years as a restricted free agent. In the same piece, Fischer suggests Bull are still exploring trade options for center Nikola Vucevic.
The Bulls started the season strong and returned to the playoffs after six years. LaVine missed games due to COVID protocols in the postseason, while he had some setbacks dur to injuries in the regular season.
He averaged 24.4 points on 47/38/85 shooting splits while adding 4.6 rebounds and 4.5 assists through 67 games in the regular season. LaVine underwent a knee procedure in May to address an issue in his left knee that bothered him throughout the past season.
Dallas Mavericks may “blink” at Jalen Brunson’s asking price
Jalen Brunson is expected to be a top priority for the Dallas Mavericks this offseason. Coming off a career-year, Brunson will be a coveted free agent this summer having the ability to receive a great amount of interest.
According to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, the Dallas Mavericks and Jalen Brunson have mutual interest but the Texas franchise might “blink” at Brunson’s demand. That’s where the Knicks might fit in, per Pincus.
The Knicks’ hired Jalen Brunson’s father as a coach with the hope of luring the Mavs’ point guard away from Dallas. The Knicks won’t have the cap space to sign Brunson as a free agent but they can work with the Mavs on a sign and trade if Dallas decides to not pay.
Brunson was incredible for the Mavs in his fourth season, averaging career highs in points (16.3) and assists (4.8) per game, as well as turning into a playoff hero in Dallas’ first-round series against the Utah Jazz.
