DuckIII wrote:FanInTheAttic wrote:There's is no point in maxing Zach's contract if the Bulls are not in the playoffs next year with this team, and why would Zach stay?
Those are two separate issues. To the first, there is a point in maxing him. You retain him as an asset. He’s a max value player and he’s young. That’s an excellent chip to have in the game.
The second issue regarding why he would stay, not sure. I think Zach is loyal to Chicago and might want to give it more than one full season with this group, that he was heavily involved in recruiting, to see if it works. Regardless, he’d at minimum take the deal and try to work a trade later to ensure he gets the best contract possible. But that’s a Zach issue for him to decide.
From the Bulls’ side, he’s a no brainer max unless he suffers a severe injury or turns into a lunatic malcontent out of nowhere.
Yes you are right, there might be a point of maxing his contract to retain him as an asset, but how would his trade value be with a max contract if he doesn't manage to take the Bulls to the playoffs with the team built around him next season? Trading by trade deadline and receiving picks in exchange are also valuable assets for future trades. I mean if we can't reach to the playoffs with this roster, it is a big disappointment. And I'm only talking about playoffs, I guess the ultimate goal is to be a contender. AKME is known for making bold moves quickly, so if there is no acceptable outcome with all the moves that has been done,I wouldn't be surprised if he would make another bold move. But like you said, maybe it's better to max Zach and trade later if necessary, depends on the season, and if they are sure Zach is willing to do this and not sign with another team during FA.
And for the record, I believe this is a playoff team next season, I'm just speculating for a possible scenario for Zach to get traded.