Renton’s Zach Lavine introduced in Chicago with new Bulls; Questions about Rondo & Wade persist

For Bulls, blockbuster trade is all about direction
ANDREW SELIGMAN, AP Sports Writer

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Bulls set a clear direction by trading All-Star Jimmy Butler to the Minnesota Timberwolves on draft night last week.

As for whether they got enough in return? Vice president of basketball operations John Paxson will let others debate that.

The Bulls had plenty of people talking after they traded one of the NBA’s top two-way players for Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn and No. 7 overall pick Lauri Markkanen. The three newcomers were introduced at a news conference on Tuesday.

Paxson says debating which team got the better end of the deal is “the wrong way to look at it” at the moment. He says Chicago “defined a direction” and that he’s “not worried about perception.”

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Bulls: No decision yet on Rondo’s future with team

Chicago Bulls’ Rajon Rondo reacts on the bench during the
fourth quarter of a first-round NBA playoff basketball game
against the Boston Celtics, Sunday, April 16, 2017, in Boston.
The Bulls won 106-102. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Bulls are not ready to say whether veteran point guard Rajon Rondo will be back for a second season.

Vice president of basketball operations John Paxson says that “is still to be determined.” The Bulls can pay Rondo $13.4 million or buy him out for $3 million by Friday’s deadline.

Paxson spoke Tuesday during a news conference to introduce newcomers Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn and rookie Lauri Markkanen, who were acquired from Minnesota for Jimmy Butler on draft night. The Bulls were planning to meet Tuesday with Rondo’s agent Bill Duffy, who represents LaVine.

Paxson also says a buyout on Dwyane Wade after he exercised his $23.8 million option “has not been broached.” Paxson says the Bulls, at least for now, assume Wade will play for Chicago.

KPUG Edit: Lavine, who starred at Bothell High School, was named the 2013 Associated Press Washington state player of the year and Washington Mr. Basketball.