the Chicago Bulls were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs to the Milwaukee Bucks, leaving star Zach LaVine’s future in Chicago in question. LaVine is set to be a free agent this summer, and many teams will express interest in the star guard.
Zach on free agency: “I understand the relationship I’ve had with AK and the last five years here, I hope the city understands how much I care about the Bulls. I’m going into everything open-minded but knowing how much I ‘ve enjoyed my time here.” pic.twitter.com/85OhzBkPBv
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) April 29, 2022
LaVine and the Bulls were defeated in five games by the Bucks and need to make moves to become title contenders. The question becomes whether LaVine wants to remain with the Bulls or take his talents elsewhere. He is ready to test free agency and at least hear what other offers he has on the table.
This season, the 27-year-old made his second straight All-Star game, averaging 24.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. He shot 47.6% from the field and 38.9% from downtown, showingcasing his ability to score at all three levels, which makes him difficult for defenses to guard.
LaVine is one of the top available free agents, and many teams will likely express interest. With that said, here are the three best free-agent destinations for Bulls star Zach LaVine.
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Zach LaVine Best Free Agency Destinations
The New York Knicks seem to always have their name attached to whatever star could be available, but LaVine would be a legitimate great fit for them. While New York missed the postseason this year, they have some promising young pieces on the roster. Adding a proven talent like LaVine would be beneficial in shaping a future playoff roster for the Knicks.
It would also allow LaVine to play for another big market team and on a big stage, showingcasing night in and night out that he is one of the best players in the league. Getting the opportunity to play at MSG and be the No. 1 option on the Knicks could be very intriguing for LaVine. New York has the assets to build a roster that fits around him, which could be enticing to the star guard.
San Antonio Spurs star point guard Dejounte Murray is already recruiting LaVine to the Bulls, and he would be a tremendous fit. Murray is a defensive monster and triple-double machine that would benefit significantly from having an elite scorer like LaVine alongside him.
Dejounte Murray dreaming about Zach LaVine joining the Spurs.
LaVine is an unrestricted free agent after the 2021-22 season with the Bulls pic.twitter.com/LXx3Z9qtTg
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) April 29, 2022
While San Antonio was eliminated in the Play-In Tournament, they showed promise this season. Entering the year, they were widely considered a team destined to be drafting in the lottery. However, Murray’s emergence as a star lifted the Spurs to make a solid run. This season, Murray averaged 21.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 9.2 assists per game. Murray shot 46.2% from the field and 32.7% from behind the arc.
Murray made his first All-Star appearance and led the league with 2.0 steals per game. He would be a perfect pairing with LaVine, and they would form one of the best backcourts in the NBA. If LaVine decides to go to the Spurs, they would instantly be a playoff team with the potential for more.
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1.Chicago Bulls
While going to one of the aforementioned teams is enticing, the best fit for LaVine is to remain in Chicago. Chicago is where LaVine became a star, and they have built a solid roster around him the past two seasons.
Although the Bulls came up short in the playoffs, some moves around the edges could make them a championship contender. LaVine can also get more money by re-signing with Chicago compared to signing with a different team. The Bulls can offer him a super-max contract of 5-years, $212 million, while rival teams can offer a 4-year deal for around $160 million.
Staying in Chicago makes a ton of sense for LaVine, and it could well be the right choice for him in terms of winning a championship. The Bulls may not have the roster to win it all just yet, but keeping LaVine in Chicago could help lure another key player to the mix in order to stage a deep playoff run.
