Bulls guard Zach LaVine has fresh outlook after knee, contract issues fade into past

The Bulls’ Zach LaVine is defended by Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets during the first half of a preseason game on Oct. 7 at the United Center. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

It was Zach LaVine’s “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” moment.

Late last season, the Bulls guard was entering his first offseason as an unrestricted free agent with a huge payday awaiting, but also finally being on a team that was playoff-bound for the first time in his eight-year career.