Bulls star Zach LaVine looking for 'respect' out of any new contract

Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine is eligible for a contract extension with the franchise, and he reiterated Monday that he wants to be rewarded for his All-Star level of play. 

However, he added that he's willing to work with Chicago's front office as it hopes to use cap space for new talent. 

"I just want my respect, that's the main thing," LaVine said Monday after practice ahead of Team USA's quarterfinal game against Spain set for Tuesday, according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst. "I outplayed my contract. I've been very loyal to Chicago. I like Chicago. I just want my respect. If that's now or later, it's something we've got to work out internally."

LaVine has one season left on his contract at $19.5 million. According to Windhorst, the Bulls could offer the 26-year-old a four-year, $105 million deal. That figure is likely below LaVine's market value, Windhorst adds. 

The only way LaVine would reportedly agree to an extension now is if the Bulls "invoke a rarely used provision" where they can use cap space to increase his salary for the upcoming season and then build a new extension off that number, according to Windhorst. 

The All-Star guard had a career year during the 2020-21 campaign, averaging 27.4 points, five rebounds and 4.9 assists per game while shooting 50.7% from the field and 41.9% from deep.

If Chicago doesn't extend LaVine this summer, he will hit the market as an unrestricted free agent next year. It's unclear which teams might be interested in his services if it gets to that point. 

According to Windhorst, the Bulls want to upgrade at point guard this summer and have shown interest in Lonzo Ball, which would cost them over $20 million per year. That could limit how they approach LaVine's situation. 

In addition, Chicago wants to upgrade in several areas and it might have to choose between upgrading its roster via free agency or securing the franchise star.