Chicago Bulls: Zach LaVine, Isaiah Thomas work out after team-up remark

After some intriguing comments about wanting to play with Zach LaVine and the Chicago Bulls, Isaiah Thomas recently further fueled speculation.

In today’s NBA, players cannot even workout together without being bombarded with speculation about a potential team-up. However, when one of those players publicly states that he wants to play with an organization specifically because that other player is there, it makes it far more credible. This is the exact situation going on with former All-Star Isaiah Thomas, Zach LaVine, and the Chicago Bulls.

Thomas, a pending free agent, stated several weeks ago that he has always wanted to play for the Chicago Bulls on an Instagram live. The guard continued, stating, “playing in Chi with Zach would be cold.” Thomas furthered speculation as he posted an Instagram story of he and LaVine getting some shots up in the gym.

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Whether LaVine is lobbying for the Chicago Bulls to sign Thomas or not is currently unknown, but the move could make some sense for them. Chicago’s current point guard trio consists of Kris Dunn, Tomas Satoransky, and Ryan Arcidiacono, none of whom averaged double-digit scoring this season. Perhaps the Bulls could bring in Thomas to come off the bench as while they ranked 13th in the league with 38.3 points per game from their reserves, they could still undoubtedly use a spark, particularly at point guard.

The Bulls could undoubtedly use an upgrade at the position if they are looking at accelerating the rebuild. Although Derrick Rose is a name often linked to that, Thomas could also be a viable option, whether it be as a starter or a reserve.

Although he has fallen far from being the Isaiah Thomas that was an MVP candidate and All-NBA player, the guard proved this season that he could still play. Before he got traded and immediately waived around the trade deadline, Thomas was in the midst of a bounce-back year with the Washington Wizards.

After playing in a mere 12 games during the 2018-19 season, Thomas played 40 games this year, averaging 12.2 points per game on 40.3 percent field goal shooting and 41.3 percent from 3-point range. After being waved in February, Thomas has remained a free agent but remains optimistic about a return, wherever that might be.

Could Isaiah Thomas be the fix for the Chicago Bulls?

With three straight losing seasons in the books, the Chicago Bulls need to try something new. Bringing in a savvy veteran in Isaiah Thomas would not immediately rejuvenate the franchise, but it would be a low risk-high reward scenario. Thomas could bring experience to the table, and possibly help players like LaVine or rookie Coby White develop, while also being a contributor on offense.

While Thomas brings experiences and an offensive spark to the table, he also brings that subpar defensive presence, which was likely the deciding factor on why he never got signed. The guard has always been a below-average defender, and it worked in the days of his peak where he averaged just shy of 30 points per game, but not anymore. Still, he proved that he could contribute meaningful minutes when given an opportunity this season, and perhaps he just needs another shot to showcase it once more.

Whether his return comes as a member of the Chicago Bulls is currently up in the air, but it would be a welcoming sight to see Thomas back in the league. Isaiah Thomas and Zach LaVine would form a dynamic one-two punch, but only time will tell if it comes to fruition.