Chicago Bulls Guard Zach LaVine Expects to Stay With the Franchise 'For a Long Time'

By Noriel See, Christian Post Contributor Thursday, October 26, 2017

Zach LaVine has yet to play a single minute in a Bulls uniform, but he seems to like the idea of staying in Chicago for the long term. In fact, he has already been talking about staying even though they failed to reach an agreement on a contract extension this offseason.

"Obviously I want to be here for a long time. Like I said, I feel like the deal's going to get done, either [by the deadline] or next summer, so I don't have any fear in that. I think I know I'll be in black and red for a little bit longer. And I'm very happy and looking forward to that day as well, but my main concern is getting back on the court, getting my legs ready and try to help the team as much as possible," LaVine said, via ESPN.

The high-flying guard has been on the shelf since he tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee in February, but he has been making a lot of progress in his recovery and he appears to be ahead of schedule.

LaVine has mentioned that he expects to be cleared for full-contact drills in a few weeks, so he should be back on the court sometime before the end of 2017.

The Minnesota Timberwolves shipped LaVine to the Bulls, along with guard Kris Dunn and the rights to rookie forward Lauri Markkanen in June in exchange for All-Star wing Jimmy Butler and the rights to rookie center Justin Patton.

The fourth-year guard is seen as a key piece to the team's rebuilding plan. He should become the focal point of their offense once he returns and he will have to shoulder most of the scoring load.

For now, LaVine will just have to concentrate on working his way back into game shape.