Despite rumors that Zach LaVine plans to talk with other teams in free agency, the most likely scenario has him re-signing with the Bulls, writes Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report.
LaVine will receive a new five-year contract valued at around $200M, according to Fischer, who notes that the only significant point of contention is the status of the final year of the deal. It could be fully or partially guaranteed, or LaVine could be given a player option.
The Trail Blazers, Spurs, Hawks and Lakers are all expected to reach out to LaVine, but Fischer does not believe any of those teams can provide him with a better situation than what he has in Chicago. LaVine wants to be the sole focal point of the offense, which hasn’t happened since the Bulls added DeMar DeRozan last summer, but he would not get that in Portland, Atlanta or L.A. It is something San Antonio could offer, but the Spurs aren’t among the top contenders in the West.
Upgrading the frontcourt will be an offseason priority in Chicago, according to Fischer. His sources say the team is listening to offers for Nikola Vucevic, who has a $22M expiring contract, and has expressed interest in Jazz center Rudy Gobert, although the reluctance to part with Patrick Williams may prevent a deal from being worked out with Utah.
The Bulls are also exploring trades involving third-year point guard Coby White, who will be eligible for a rookie scale extension, and the No. 18 pick in next week’s draft, Fischer adds.
