Bulls star Zach LaVine agreed to re-sign with the team on Friday, reaching a five-year, maximum-salary agreement worth $215MM. While the money was certainly a major factor in LaVine’s decision, it’s also about his loyalty to the Bulls and his confidence in the team’s direction going forward, K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago writes.
“Chicago is my home,” LaVine said. “I really started making my name here. And I want to continue what I helped start here as well. I’m extremely excited. I appreciate the fans. And I’m ready to continue this winning process that we have going.”
LaVine guided the Bulls to a playoff berth this season, averaging 24.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game. He also shot an efficient 48% from the floor and 39% from distance. It was his second straight All-Star campaign — the only two of his career to date.
Here are some other free agency-related notes:
- The Sixers are meeting with star free agent James Harden in the Hamptons on Saturday to discuss a multi-year deal, Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reports (via Twitter). Harden opted out of his $47.3MM player option and will presumably accept a more team-friendly multiyear deal. Philadelphia acquired him prior to last season’s trade deadline, sending away a package that featured disgruntled star Ben Simmons.
- Otto Porter Jr.‘s deal with the Raptors is believed to be worth most, if not all, of the $10.5MM non-taxpayer mid-level exception, Josh Lewenberg of TSN Sports writes. Porter reportedly agreed to a two-year deal with Toronto. The second season contains a player option.
- The Mavericks may keep an open roster spot for the immediate future, veteran NBA reporter Marc Stein relays (Twitter link). Dallas has expressed interest in free agent guard Goran Dragic, but the team’s need for a back-up wing is apparent. The Mavs could wait to see if an unexpected solution arises at the position, Stein notes.
Mavs should offer Bertans Green Draft pick to Jazz for Bogdano
Sign Dragic
Still got roster spot open
They sorta need Josh Green tho don’t they? Having big wings that can defend the elite wing scorers is sort of a must. Bojan, Luka & Tim Jr can’t do it & Bullock can’t do it alone
Josh Green has not lived up to expectations. Part of that can be blamed on Rick Carlisle who tends to bury developmental rookies and they do not thrive on defense. Green had taken steps forward under Jason Kidd and his staff, but he is not considered a rotational player yet.
I’m saying they sorta need him to be a rotation guy. Kidd gave him a good amount of burn last season, he should only be improved with the experience. Plus like I say there’s nobody else on the team like him, athletic wing type. The kid is still just 21,22 something like that. He’s def gonna get a chance, unless they trade him this summer. And if they do trade him they’ll need to replace him with a guy that can be trusted to guard elite scoring wings. Royce O’Neale would been perfect
Bang on the deal I’d be looking to make.
If the Jazz refuse or want ridiculous picks then I’d pivot to the Spurs.
Bertans, Green and a first for Doug McDermott
But first I’d try the Jazz.
McDermott is another 3 point shooting forward comfortable at either SF or PF. This move clears lots of cap space. Also worth pointing out Pop really likes Bertans from their time together a few years back so he might actually have some interest in acquiring his terrible contract.
Then get Dragic.
Dragic just makes a lot of sense with Brunson gone. He can be a starter or a back up, can play as a scorer or facilitator, and offers plenty of experience. Not to mention he’s from Slovenia just like Luka.
I think you’re sleeping on the importance of defense & what Josh Green brings to them going forward. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Kidd place him as a full time starter at some point soon
Good grief. Green can develop anywhere. He has not shown much, and if replaced by a similar body, Dallas would not lose his utility.
Rich Paul’s having a great month..
Lavine
Garland
several 1st round picks.
Put that work in homie. I just hope he can work it out to where Sexton remains a Cav long term.
He’s def having a great month as well as a pretty great past few yrs. More than that he’s having an absolutely legendary career & helping to empower players as much or more than any agent ever
I’m sorry but Otto is not worth 10 mill a yr. GS system helped him a lot.
I’m not sorry and you’re flat out wrong. Wings are gold in this days NBA, and Otto is a young wing whose a career 40% shooter from 3. Also, if GS system helped him, don’t you think the Raptors system would help as well? Raptors are one of the best run organization in all of sports, if not the best.
You’re a Knicks fan though, all you know is mediocrity, so I wouldn’t expect your Raptors takes to be any different. Be well my friend.
Now starting for the NYK …..
At PG “Jalen Brunson”
Not sure why the quotation marks are on his name? That’s his name? Unless you have an inside joke here, I’m a bit confused lol.
How far is Utah willing to go into rebuild? Is Spida next?
Good question…man I know they say they wanna keep him but they got some Really good 1 and 2 yr deals to capitalize on value Right now if they went full rebuild
The O’Niel trade was odd to me, makes you wonder if full blow up is right around the corner. We’ve seen tradionally quite teams like Indy SAS get a little more springy lately…maybe Utah follows suit
Read that Spida is not available;so, that begs the question… how do they S&T for Ayton? Or is there someone else? The Jazz and Nets are going to be fun to follow for next couple of weeks.
Not sure that Royce van defend guards to his reputation, and he’s small for a F. Ainge may have thought, I can do better.
Also, would Powell & Frankie with a ‘27 first be a fair offer for Clarkson?
Mavericks: I’m fully prepared to sign a minimal contract to NOT PLAY for you. Believe me the team is much better with me not on the court !!