20 things to look forward to this NBA offseason

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 10: Arizona forward Deandre Ayton (13) reacts to a call during the championship game of the mens Pac-12 Tournament between the USC Trojans and the Arizona Wildcats on March 10, 2018, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 11: Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls drives against Taurean Prince #12 of the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on March 11, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

7. How much does Zach LaVine get offered?

Much like the Orlando Magic with Aaron Gordon, the Chicago Bulls likely have too much invested in Zach LaVine to let him walk as a restricted free agent. And much like Gordon, LaVine fancies himself as a max-contract player.

“You are what you’re worth,” LaVine told K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune in late March. “Obviously, you can’t say no to getting [a max deal]. I see myself being an elite player in this league. I’m going to work for that every day until I get there.”

The Bulls didn’t acquire LaVine as part of their trade package for Jimmy Butler only to let him go after a year. They didn’t rush him back from the torn ACL he suffered in February 2017, as they (correctly) prioritized his long-term health over whatever insights they could glean from a few more regular-season outings.

LaVine averaged 16.7 points in only 27.3 minutes per game across his 24 outings this season, but he shot a career-worst 38.3 percent from the floor. Between that lack of efficiency and his defensive shortcomings, the Bulls may understandably be hesitant to offer him a max contract right off the bat.

Instead, expect the Bulls to slow-play LaVine’s free agency and dare him to get a max offer sheet from another team. That approach may frustrate him — or perhaps even convince him to sign a shorter offer sheet so he can become an unrestricted free agent more quickly down the line — but don’t be surprised if that’s what the Bulls do nevertheless.

Next: 6. Do the Celtics retain Marcus Smart?

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