Monday was the annual pre-training camp media day for the Bulls and the NBA. It’s a sanguine time for many teams, especially the Bulls this season with the roster makeover and the addition of top players like four-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan, Lonzo Ball after the trade for two-time All-Star Nikola Vucevic last March.
Bull made all necessary additions, But do they have enough salary cap to resign their all-star guard and 2021 Olympic Gold Medal winner Zach LaVine.
The one thing that we know is we’re committed to Zach,” Bulls Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Arturas Karnisovas told reporters Monday for the opening of NBA training camps. “We want him to be in Chicago a very long time. I think (the) trade deadline and free agency moves kind of proved that. He has a great relationship with Billy (Donovan, coach), a good relationship with me. Can’t wait to see how the players we added to the team are going to work together and gel. We really feel good about Zach and about this season.”
Zach is happy with the team off-season moves and he said he is not worried about his contract right now.
“I think you guys know I’m a team-first guy,” said LaVine. “I’m excited with all the moves that were made and really looking forward to getting into camp and getting to know these guys and getting the season started because we all have a lot to prove.
“My plan is to tomorrow get ready for training camp, get ready for the season, and try and help these guys win just like everybody else,” LaVine added. “I’m not worried about my contract right now. That will be a point and time in the future. And my agent I will sit down and discuss it, go from there. But right now it’s about the Bulls and getting better tomorrow. Starting this thing off right, working hard, and getting forward with helping us win and just being involved with the team this year.”
DeMar Derozan interview during 2021 NBA Media Day
DeMar was the arguably biggest off-season acquisition for Bulls. he knows big time. He believes he sees it with the 2021-22 Bulls.
“I’m really looking forward to it tomorrow, the start of camp,” the Bulls new free agent forward told reporters Monday. “The talent is there. I don’t think I’ve played with as talented a team as I have since coming here. Now it’s about just putting it together and me doing my part, being a veteran on the team, bringing it all together and helping it mesh a little quicker. There are a lot of great opportunities. I’m excited to be out there with those guys and just begin putting this all together.”
Lonzo Ball interview on 2021 NBA Media Day
Alex Caruso reporting from Media Day
