The Chicago Bulls are now just weeks away from the start of the new NBA season and they will be coming into the year with a roster that looks much like the one they had last year.
That includes Zach LaVine, who has been attached to many trade rumors recently.
But according to Joe Cowley, per NBACentral, the Bulls are “working on mending their relationship” with LaVine.
This makes sense because, like it or not, Chicago and LaVine are stuck with each other for now.
LaVine was one of the biggest names entering the summer offseason.
Most fans and analysts predicted he would be sent to another team.
He got hurt again last season and inside reports from the the team said there was a growing strain between him and the Bulls.
But as the summer went on, every trade rumors about LaVine dwindled and faded away.
It soon became clear that other teams were timid about signing LaVine because of his massive salary and history of injuries.
That left the Bulls with few options: they could hold onto the star or they could accept a less-than-ideal trade for him.
When healthy, LaVine can still do a lot on the court.
He averaged 19.5 points and 5.2 rebounds during his 25 games last season.
If the Bulls can work on their relationship with LaVine, they will help him achieve more during the season.
That will be a win-win for Chicago because the team could win more and LaVine’s trade value will rise.
So when the trade deadline rolls around in February or next summer, LaVine could be worth a lot more.
A few months ago, most people thought LaVine would be out of Chicago by now.
But he’s not and both sides are trying to improve the situation.
