The 2021-22 NBA season has come to a close for the Chicago Bulls. One of their key pieces, Zach LaVine, will be an unrestricted free agent for the first time this coming offseason. Based on his comments in a recent interview, LaVine may be open to leaving the team.

“I’ve been here for the past five years. I have to do this as a business decision, as a man, just to not be viewed one way,” LaVine said. “It’s unrestricted free agency. For my family, for me … I have to be open-eyed.”

The vague comments indicate LaVine may be open to finding a new team this offseason. Zach LaVine could be prioritizing contract size over his choice of team.

LaVine could be in line for a max contract for the first time in his career, after consecutive All-Star seasons. Over the last four seasons, LaVine averaged 25+ points – one of just 15 players to do so in that span.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Could Zach LaVine Be More Likely To Leave Bulls Than Expected

The Bulls’ guard is among the best players in the league available in this year’s relatively weak free-agency class. LaVine may be the only player teams consider offering a max to, with the Mavericks’ Jalen Brunson as the only other possibility.

Among teams expected to have significant cap space, this offseason per Spotrac are the San Antonio Spurs and Portland Trail Blazers.

Both finished outside the playoffs, but the two western conference teams have star point guards who would pair nicely with LaVine. The Trail Blazers recently moved shooting guard CJ McCollum via trade, and have a starting spot open for LaVine.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Could Zach LaVine Be More Likely To Leave Bulls Than Expected

Entering next season, Zach LaVine will still be just 27-years-old. The guard could be in line to sign his largest contract just as he enters his prime years. Though the Chicago Bulls could offer him the longest deal as his current team, LaVine seems open to leaving for another franchise.