All offseason, there have been rumors about Zach LaVine’s future with the Chicago Bulls. His name has been at the forefront of trade discussions as he prepares for his eighth season in the Windy City.
The Bulls are making a youth movement after losing veterans DeMarRozan, Alex Caruso, and Andre Drummond, leaving LaVine as a franchise player without much of a franchise.
There were concerns that his uncertain status could lead to the two-time All-Star becoming a distraction, but Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic reports that LaVine and the Bulls have reached an understanding.
“In offseason conversations with Bulls leadership, including coach Billy Donovan, LaVine has vowed not to overstep or stunt the development of younger players, according to a team source,” Mayberry said.
LaVine participated in the team’s minicamp in Florida, staying for two days and playing in pickup games before returning home to California for personal reasons. He also reported to Chicago earlier this month, along with most of the Bulls’ roster, for an unofficial second minicamp. The Bulls don’t officially open training camp until October 1.
LaVine appeared in 25 games last season, averaging only 19.5 points per game, before being shut down after undergoing season-ending surgery on his right foot on February 8.
He must find a way to mesh with Coby White, who flourished in his absence and finished second in the NBA’s Most Improved Player voting, and rising star Ayo Dosunmu.
If LaVine, who still has three years remaining on a five-year, $215.16 million contract, embraces Chicago’s youth movement, that process could become much easier.
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