During the offseason, the Chicago Bulls made it clear that they were in the business of building a playoff contender after missing out on the postseason last year.
Bulls All-Star Zach LaVine, who is an unrestricted free agent next summer, has made it clear that he’s about winning and if Chicago wants to retain him for the future, they have to put winning pieces around him.
On Thursday, LaVine spoke with ESPN’s Brian Windhorst about just that.
“They did what was best for the team and I will continue to go out there and do what’s best for the team as well,” LaVine told Windhorst. “This season going forward is going to be extremely crucial not just for me but for everybody. Winning would take care of everything.”
Chicago made waves during free agency, adding four-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan, Lonzo Ball, and Alex Caruso. They also acquired Derrick Jones Jr. and Tony Bradley.
“It showed they’re all in to win and we’re transforming the team to be competitive,” LaVine said. “We have a whole new team…we’re going to hit the ground running. I was very happy with the offseason.”
The Bulls finished the 2020-21 season with a 31-41 and missed the playoffs. Despite the acquisition of two-time All-Star Nikola Vucevic, Chicago failed to gain steam in the second-half of the season as LaVine missed 13 of the last 18 games with injury.
For LaVine to sign a long-term extension and stay in a Bulls uniform, Chicago will need to compete this season as winning is the No. 1 priority for No. 8.
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