Zach LaVine may have dealt with left knee issues during the season but that won’t affect his bargaining power in the offseason, according to Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic. Multiple league executives believe it’s a foregone conclusion the Bulls swingman will sign a max contract as an unrestricted free agent this summer, Mayberry writes. LaVine could be the top available player on the market, depending on how things shake out with other potential free agents. He averaged 24.4 PPG, 4.6 RPG and 4.5 APG during the regular season.
We have more on the Bulls:
- Rookie guard Ayo Dosunmu will be a key performer during the postseason with Lonzo Ball sidelined by a knee injury. He’s ready for the challenge, according to K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago. “I know I play hard. I have a lot of faith. I believe in my ability,” Dosunmu said. “I understand when (the intensity) rises, I’ll be able to rise also.”
- The team will miss Ball in a number of ways during the playoffs, Johnson writes in a separate story. Johnson notes that, without Ball, the Bulls aren’t creating as many turnovers, their pace of play has slowed and their 3-point shooting has fallen off. The former No. 2 overall pick was ruled out for the playoffs last week after he suffered a setback during his rehab.
- Nikola Vucevic dominated Brook Lopez two seasons ago in the playoffs, though the Bucks eliminated the Magic. The Bulls will need Vucevic to be stellar once again against his counterpart to have any chance of upsetting Milwaukee in the first round, Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times writes. “He’s really important to our team and he’s been important all year long,” coach Billy Donovan said. “I think for him, even when you speak to him, I do feel like that with some of him being in rhythm offensively, I really like the shots he’s gotten.” Vucevic averaged 28 PPG, 11 RPG and 4 APG during that series with Orlando, which lasted five games.
Never sign B or C level players for max money. It’s the fastest way to paralyze your franchise.
Guess it’s a good thing no B or C level players were discussed getting a max deal, huh?
Lavine is not a top of roster guy.
Just show some grit Bulls. You have nothing to lose since everyone has written you off already.
I’m a diehard bulls fan, and I don’t think I’m being unreasonable when I say, we are gonna get swept and lose all 4 games by 15+, anything less than that bad and I will be happy, glad Pat and Ayo are gettin to see the playoffs this early in their careers
I completely agree. Huge bulls fan here too. The playoff experience should be very beneficial. Also….let’s go Deer huntin boys haha
If they win 1 game in this series I will be surprised.
Im bulls fan and agree with u.hope we dont lose all more than 10 points.
BUCKS over BULLS by bloody murder.
Remember when nobody went to Bucks games?
What’s going to happen once Giannis is gone?
That’s what you’re hanging on to? What’s going to happen when Giannis is gone? Lmao
What was it like as a Bucks fan prior to his arrival?
That’s right, you weren’t a fan then.
I grew up watching Ray Allen and Michael Redd, don’t act like you know me. Both your comments have been idiotic, please keep it going.
And if you didn’t notice my user name, I’m a Brewer fan. Lot of lean years with them also. Not all people are fair weather fans.