Has Zach LaVine played his last game in a Chicago Bulls’ uniform?
Not so fast.
But, the Bulls will have their fair share of competition to resign their two-time All-Star this coming summer, despite their level of confidence that they’ll be able to resign LaVine.
As Marc Stein noted on his Substack, LaVine is expected to have several suitors, including Atlanta, Portland, and San Antonio.
Stein:
“…amid a growing belief around the league that LaVine, as he heads into free agency, has more interest in leaving Chicago than initially presumed. Atlanta, Portland and San Antonio — all of whom possess either the cap space or the trade pieces to more readily chase him — have already been mentioned as likely LaVine suitors.”
For Atlanta, they have several young players that they could flip in a sign-and-trade for LaVine that could entice the Bulls if they were to part with him. The likes of Kevin Huerter, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and John Collins could draw interest for the Bulls to place LaVine next to Trae Young.
Portland’s route to acquire the Seattle-native LaVine comes more difficult, as they’d have to renounce the rights to free agents Jusuf Nurkic and Anfernee Simons along with making a decision regarding Josh Hart’s upcoming guaranteed money. Though, the likes of playing next to Damian Lillard to form an unstoppable offensive backcourt is enticing.
The Spurs have another All-Star guard from Seattle, Dejounte Murray, who would fit swimmingly next to LaVine, who also posted a then deleted photoshop of LaVine in a Spurs uniform. San Antonio is set to have cap space this summer and alongside their young talent and a legendary coach in Pop, who LaVine played for in the Olympics, could make for an intriguing free agency option.
Stay tuned to Lonzo Wire for updates on Zach LaVine’s free agency. Follow us on Facebook!