It makes sense because the Bulls, an expensive team built to win yesterday, are struggling with a 4-8 record after Wednesday’s brutal loss to the Magic. That’s often a precursor to intensified negotiations - I’m sure talks have been ongoing, on some level, for a while - and the report suggested Tuesday was an important jumpoff with many of the 30 GMs together at the college basketball Champions Classic in Chicago. On Tuesday, The Athletic reported LaVine and the Bulls have become more open to a separation. It’s a daunting contract, but LaVine, at his peak during the pandemic season, was worth the money.Īs far back as last season, the Knicks kicked the tires on LaVine, but didn’t come close to anything. LaVine, who is represented by powerhouse Klutch Sports (the rival of CAA, the agency intertwined with the Knicks front office) is owed roughly $178 million through the 2026-27 season, with the final year being a player option.

7 RJ Barrett will cost whatever team has him a lott less than Zach Lavine over the next four seasons.