AMAZING news for Chicago Bulls fans!
Multiple recent reports have connected LaVine back to Chicago after a flurry of early-offseason speculation to the contrary. And, most recently, General Manager Marc Eversley made clear the organization has «every intention» to bring the two-time All-Star back into the fold.
Now, thanks to the Chicago Sun-Times, we know LaVine's teammates fully expect a deal to get done, as well:
LaVine's situation is obviously the biggest story hovering over the Bulls, with the free-agent negotiating period opening Thursday evening.
Karnisovas wants to keep intact a core that helped Chicago reach the playoffs for the first time in five years.
LaVine averaged 24.4 points and made his second straight All-Star team last year. It ended with his first trip to the playoffs in his eighth year as a pro. The Bulls lost in the first round to Milwaukee in five games.
LaVine's four-year, $78 million contract is up and he said after the season that he plans to explore the market as an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career after five years in Chicago. He did not rule out returning to the Bulls, who can offer a max contract worth about $212 million. The most he can get from another team is approximately $157 million over four years.
