Author: COACH ICE
THE CHICAGO GM’s HEAD SHOULD “ROLL” 
Last season DeMat Derozan put the Chicago Bulls on his shoulders and carried them into the playoffs with the help of Zach Lavine. In the playoffs he continued his stellar play, but the absence of key players, and the disappearance of Lavine in the playoffs forced the Bulls into an early playoff exit.
Demar Derozan was properly compensated ($27.4M) for his efforts, and his status as “the man” of the organization. He was selected as an All-star, 2nd team All-Pro, and he proved to be one of the most clutch players in the league by making multiple game winning shots during the season.
With this being said, Derozan will return next season, and he will be the second highest player on the team. His “sidekick”, Zach Lavine, was just resigned to a $214M contract. Not only will Lavine make more money than Derozan next season, he will make over $12M more!!!
I cannot say that Demar Derozan is or should be jealous, but human nature is what it is. How can he feel “good” about an inferior player being paid MUCH more money for the same job? Derozan has one more year on his contract. If Demar Derozan performs just as well as last season, then he will rightfully expect to be paid more than Lavine. This will mean that the Bulls will have two $40M+ salaries without getting any better. This is a recipe for eminent failure, just look at the Los Angeles Laker dilemma.
In conclusion, I am happy for Zach Lavine’s financial windfall. On the other hand, I am sure that he has been grossly overpaid. A wise GM would have paid Lavine a salary in the current Derozan range ($27.3M/year), and even guaranteed three years with a fourth year “team option”.
Unfortunately, the Bulls GM, Marc Eversley, is not a “wise GM”. He is a former Nike executive that Lavine’s agents bamboozled into grabbing his ankle and letting them have rheir way. They Bulls may make the playoffs, but that is it. If Derozan does not resign after next season, then they will once again fade into obscurity. What could Zach Lavine do to change this? Nothing, because he is not a bonafide $40M/year talent.
* I officially have no confidence in Marc Eversley understanding of player value or what it takes to win in the NBA. 
