Report: Zach LaVine re-signing with Chicago Bulls 'no longer a slam dunk'

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – APRIL 20: Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls takes a three point shot in the second quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks during Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Fiserv Forum on April 20, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

The Chicago Bulls just wrapped up their most impressive season in the past five years. DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Nikola Vucevic led them to the playoffs, where they were unceremoniously eliminated by the Milwaukee Bucks.

Despite the early exit, Chicago fans were given something to be hopeful for. After being stuck in the lottery for years with no end in sight, they finally had a playoff team again.

DeRozan earned MVP votes, LaVine was an All-Star again, and despite his inconsistencies, Vucevic was a solid third star. However, that trio may not be together for much longer.

Report: Zach LaVine re-signing with Chicago Bulls ‘no longer a slam dunk’

According to KC Johnson of NBC Sports, LaVine returning to the Bulls this offseason is “no longer is considered the slam dunk it once was.” (H/T Bleacher Report)

Johnson noted LaVine’s ominous exit interview as a reason, as well as the newfound belief that LaVine could simply choose to sign with the team that offers him the most amount of money.

During his exit interview, LaVine stated that he is “going into everything open-minded” this summer. And while he did mention that he enjoyed his time in Chicago, the statement still left a queasy feeling in the stomachs of Bulls fans.

Since then, rumors have begun to flow. Dejounte Murray openly recruited LaVine on Twitter, and ESPN’s Brian Windhorst listed the Portland Trail Blazers as a potential destination.

Johnson also reported that “league gossip throughout this week has linked LaVine to at least four teams.” Those teams are the Los Angeles Lakers, Trail Blazers, Dallas Mavericks, and Atlanta Hawks.

While the Bulls will be able to offer him more money than most, there have been some questions about whether they should give him a max. At the same time, however, other teams with cap space this summer could be willing to do that.

With Johnson reporting that LaVine may choose to follow the money this summer, Chicago has some serious decisions to make. LaVine may be on the move, and if that’s the case, they’ll have to do some quick thinking in order to remain competitive.

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