Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Extension-eligible LaVine seeks 'respect' in deal

Written by 
Published in Basketball
Monday, 02 August 2021 06:30

TOKYO -- Zach LaVine is eligible for a contract extension with the Chicago Bulls in the next few days. He reiterated Monday that he wants to be rewarded for his All-Star level of play but will work with the team's front office as it looks to use cap space for new talent.

"I just want my respect, that's the main thing," LaVine said Monday after practice ahead of Team USA's quarterfinal game against Spain set for Tuesday.

"I outplayed my contract. I've been very loyal to Chicago. I like Chicago. I just want my respect. If that's now or later, it's something we've got to work out internally."

LaVine's situation is unique. The Bulls have the ability to create significant salary-cap space and are believed to be in the market for a point guard. One of their main targets is expected to be New Orleans Pelicans restricted free agent Lonzo Ball.

LaVine, 26, has one season left on his contract at $19.5 million. The Bulls are limited in how much they can extend for him based on that number, which at most would come out to a deal that could reach up to $105 million over four years. That figure, however, is likely below LaVine's market value.

It is likely the only way LaVine would agree to an extension now, sources said, is if the Bulls invoke a rarely used provision where they can use cap space to increase LaVine's salary for the upcoming season and then build a new extension off that number. A so-called "renegotiation and extension."

It leaves the Bulls in a position where they might have to decide between upgrading the roster via free agency or securing their franchise player.

There is a third option: making deals to offload salary and clear additional cap space. This is probably the ideal scenario but also might be the most challenging -- especially as the Bulls recently traded two first-round picks, assets often needed to reduce salary, in acquiring Nikola Vucevic.

Even as he's playing for Team USA, LaVine is very aware of the scenario and will be watching closely. LaVine said he would be in contact with Bulls president Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley as the free agent process plays out and the team manages its options.

"Free agency is going to play a part [in an extension] with other players and constructing a roster," LaVine said. "We'll have some conversations going forward."

If the Bulls don't extend LaVine this summer, they will still have full rights to sign him to a deal next year, but he would hit the market as an unrestricted free agent.

Read 306 times

Soccer

Utd chief: Club aiming for the top under Amorim

Utd chief: Club aiming for the top under Amorim

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsManchester United are aiming to get back "to the top of domestic an...

Real Madrid president blasted in Ballon d'Or row

Real Madrid president blasted in Ballon d'Or row

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsA Namibian journalist criticised by Florentino Pérez for failing to...

Barça to close singing section due to unpaid fines

Barça to close singing section due to unpaid fines

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBarcelona will close a section behind the goal at the Olympic Stadi...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Malone rips into Nuggets after Knicks put up 145

Malone rips into Nuggets after Knicks put up 145

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsAfter his Denver Nuggets "got embarrassed" in a 145-118 blowout los...

C's celebrate Porzingis' return with dominant win

C's celebrate Porzingis' return with dominant win

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBOSTON -- In his first game since helping the Celtics win the NBA c...

Baseball

Starter or reliever? Stay with the Phillies or go elsewhere? All-Star Jeff Hoffman opens up on free agency

Starter or reliever? Stay with the Phillies or go elsewhere? All-Star Jeff Hoffman opens up on free agency

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsJeff Hoffman is one of the most sought-after relievers in this offs...

Rays asked to declare stadium decision by Sunday

Rays asked to declare stadium decision by Sunday

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe Tampa Bay Rays have until Sunday to declare whether they want t...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated