Chicago Bulls will match Kings offer to Zach LaVine
On Friday, the Sacramento Kings signed Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine to a four-year, $78 million offer sheet. The Bulls have 48 hours to match the offer or let LaVine be a King. Within a couple of hours, it’s been reported that the Bulls plan to match the Kings offer.
Well, that didn’t take long. According to ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Chicago Bulls plan to match the Sacramento Kings’ offer sheet to guard Zach LaVine. The deal will keep LaVine in Chicago for the next four seasons on an average annual salary of $19.5 million.
While the contract is a bit high in this market, it’s not surprising that the Bulls will be retaining LaVine. After days of silence in Chicago regarding free agency, the Bulls’ quick decision to match sends signals that they are strongly committed to LaVine. Having 48 hours to deliberate, the front office will be keeping LaVine in the fold.
I’d say if LaVine had any questions regarding the Bulls’ commitment to him, they’ve been answered soundly.
The Chicago Bulls have shown they believe in LaVine, now it’s his time to perform
The Bulls have now made a strong financial commitment to LaVine. In Chicago, the city that adores hard-working, gritty athletes above all else, LaVine now has a lot to live up to. His ACL injury is in the rearview mirror, as is last season’s uneven showing. LaVine is now the highest-paid Chicago Bull, and the front office’s quick move shows their confidence. His task now is teaming with Lauri Markkanen to lead the Bulls to the playoffs. Chicago fans won’t listen to any excuses from here on out (if they ever did).
The biggest question surrounding LaVine on the court has been his willingness to fit in the offense. Last season, there were too many instances of LaVine’s ball dominance. Back in the fold, LaVine will have to show he can be the playmaking guard the Bulls need. It won’t be just about getting his shots up; we know he can do that. It remains to be seen whether LaVine can be the face of the franchise and raise his teammates to higher levels.
While it’s a big contract, the deal will not strap the Bulls financially. With LaVine on the books, the Bulls will still have around $45 million in cap space for next summer. It’s mostly a topic for 2019, but the question will be, can the Bulls finally lure a big-time free agent? It’s never too early to speculate.
Like it or not, Zach LaVine is a Chicago Bull for the long-term
I’ve been in favor of LaVine being a part of the core going forward at the right cost. Aaron Gordon‘s deal with Orlando made me a little nervous. I felt that anything for LaVine under $20 million a year would be doable, and at $19.5 million annually, it’s right there. Although the ACL injury could be worrisome, he’s only 23 years old and showed glimpses of his athleticism being back last season.
My main concern is his defensive development and his ability to mesh with Markkanen. Unfortunately for the Bulls, these aren’t measurable at this point. We’ll just have to trust LaVine’s off-season work is centered around becoming better defensively. His shot will come, I’m not too worried about his 16.7 points per game and 38 percent shooting from the field.
Next: 2018 NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal so far
The biggest question for the Bulls’ offseason has been answered. Now, as we move toward actual basketball contests, we will see whether the Bulls will be rewarded for their commitment to LaVine.