If you want to choose the first "pseudo-strong team" this season, I am afraid that many fans will give the Bulls a vote. This season, the Bulls have a record of 0-19 against the top three teams in the East and West. In January, the Bulls finished first in the East with 28 wins and 13 losses, and they are now sixth in the East with 45 wins and 35 losses. In the last 39 games, the Bulls have only won 17 and lost 22.
In the Bulls' 94-117 defeat to the Green Army, LaVine returned to play 27 minutes, shooting 2 of 9, 0 of 5 from three points, 3 of 3 from the free throw line, and only had 7 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block and 2 turnovers, scoring a new low for the season. PS: Not counting the Jan. 15 Bulls vs. Warriors, LaVine only played four minutes with a left knee injury.
For more than two months, Lavin has been plagued by a left knee injury. So far this season, LaVine has played in 66 games for the Bulls, averaging 24.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game, shooting 47.5 percent from the field and 38.9 percent from three-point range. Compared with last season, LaVine's five major statistics have declined.
In the 2020-21 season, LaVine averaged 27.4 points, 5 boards and 4.9 assists per game, shooting 50.7% from the field and 41.9% from three-point range. But the Bulls only had 31 wins and 41 losses that season, and the 11th place in the East missed the playoffs. This season, the Bulls have locked up the playoffs early and don't have to play the playoffs. It is worth mentioning that this is LaVine's first playoff trip.
From entering the NBA in 2014, LaVine waited 8 years to reach the playoffs. But he is now plagued by a left knee injury, and how many games he can play in the playoffs is unknown. Moreover, Lavin has reached the contract year. His current contract is $78 million for 4 years, which expires this summer and is on $19.5 million this season.
Last offseason, LaVine qualified to renew his contract early with the Bulls, and the team could offer up to a four-year, $104 million contract extension. Curiously, the Bulls didn't renew LaVine's contract early. There are reports that before the two sides renew their contracts, the Bulls must first ensure that they can enter the playoffs! The Bulls made the playoffs this season, will they renew LaVine's contract in the offseason?
Lavin responded: "Not being able to renew my contract early gives me motivation and motivates me to keep going, and I will lead the Bulls to better results." According to the salary rules, by the end of this year's offseason, LaVine can get a five-year, $204 million contract extension. The contract started at $34.71 million and was $47.22 million in the final year.
Last offseason, the Bulls made big moves: $82 million for Three years to Sign to DeRozan, Four Years to $80 Million to Ball Brother, and Four Years to $37 Million to Caruso. Their team salary this season is $134.6 million, ranking 11th in the league. If lavine's top salary is renewed this summer, the Bulls are expected to enter the top 6 of the league next season.
The 2-4 place in the East is yet to be determined, and the Bulls' first-round opponents could be one of the Bucks, Green Army and Philadelphia. When it comes to all three teams, the Bulls have no chance of winning. Think of that 0 win and 19 loss at the beginning of the article... For example, if the Bulls do travel in a playoff round, do you think LaVine can still get a top salary?