One of the less mentioned free agent options thanks to all the potentially big names that could be on the move this summer, Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine could still draw interest from a variety of teams.
Though he is restricted, which will make it harder to pry him from the Bulls, there’s a chance Chicago doesn’t match every offer sheet, depending on how much they’re willing to spend on him. According to Chicago Tribune’s K.C. Johnson, the Sacramento Kings are one of the teams expected to pursue LaVine in restricted free agency:
One team consistently mentioned as strongly considering a run at Zach LaVine in restricted free agency: The Kings.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) June 28, 2018
Coming off an injury-riddled season in which he played only 24 games, Zach LaVine remains largely a question mark. Though he appeared to be a staple in Chicago’s backcourt for the long term, his knee concerns may not be worth matching a potential offer from the Kings.
The Kings have shown to be questionable in free agency in the past and this could be another example if they end up overpaying. While LaVine is certainly a fine, young prospect, another guard is one of the last things they need right now.
The Kings already roster a crowded backcourt rotation in need of developing that includes the likes of De’Aaron Fox, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Buddy Hield. Adding another blossoming guard in LaVine may not be the brightest idea, especially because he will likely come with a rather expensive price tag.
For now, LaVine seems to be one of the few bright spots out of Chicago’s batch of guards, though second-year man Kris Dunn has also shown flashes of potential. With the Bulls bracing for a transitional period, it’s hard to envision them letting someone with as much potential as LaVine walk, a player they traded Jimmy Butler for last offseason.
