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Zach LaVine says he's coming back to the Chicago Bulls

Posted: 01 Jul 2022 09:27 AM PDT

CHICAGO (AP) — Zach LaVine is staying with the Chicago Bulls.

The two-time All-Star and Olympic gold medalist said Friday he has agreed to a new deal with the Bulls. LaVine will be signing a five-year max contract worth about $215 million, according to a person with direct knowledge of the terms who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the pact cannot be signed until next week by league rule.

And with that, another top free agent came off the market — settling the biggest roster issue hanging over the Bulls this summer.

The Athletic first reported the agreement between the Bulls and LaVine.

Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas had been consistent in saying the team hoped to re-sign LaVine rather than lose him as an unrestricted free agent. He wanted to keep intact a core that helped Chicago reach the playoffs for the first time in five years.

LaVine, meanwhile, had said he planned to explore the market as an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career after five years in Chicago. If he looked around, he didn't look for very long — LaVine announced his decision about 18 hours after the league's free-agent negotiation window for this season started.

There are many benefits to LaVine staying, including the obvious financial edge. Chicago had the ability to give LaVine $56 million more than any other team could offer him this summer.

LaVine averaged 24.4 points this past season in the final season of a four-year, $78 million deal. The high-flying guard made the playoffs for the first time in his eighth year as a pro, with the Bulls losing in the first round to Milwaukee in five games.

But it was a year of clear progress for Chicago, which won 46 games with LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic leading the way. The Bulls enjoyed their best record in seven years and now have clear momentum heading into this coming season.

The past season wasn't exactly easy for LaVine. He dealt with a thumb injury early in Chicago's season, then was in and out of the lineup the final few months because of a left knee injury. The knee needed treatment often, and eventually required arthroscopic surgery in May.

All that seemed forgotten Friday. LaVine's wife posted a photo of him on Instagram shortly after the deal was struck — the $215 million man enjoying a celebratory cigar.

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AP Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds contributed.

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More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

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Ukraine-Russia crisis update: Ukrainians resisting Russian forces

Posted: 01 Jul 2022 06:02 AM PDT

Journalist and editor of 'Ukrainian Freedom News' Joseph Lindsley joins Bob Sirott from Ukraine to deliver the latest news on the Ukraine-Russia crisis, including what Joseph's experiences were like traveling throughout Ukraine and an increase in resistance of Russian forces. You can find more updates on Joseph's website, ukrainianfreedomnews.com. To donate to Joseph and his team's efforts to distribute supplies throughout Ukraine, click here.

Wintrust Business Minute: Sale of Kohl's department stores falls apart

Posted: 01 Jul 2022 09:56 AM PDT

Steve Grzanich has the business news of the day with the Wintrust Business Minute.

The potential sale of the Kohl's department store chain has fallen apart, and a shaky retail environment, rising inflation and consumer anxiety are reportedly to blame. Kohl's had been in talks with Franchise Group, the owner of Vitamin Shop and other retail outlets, for a deal potentially worth about $8 billion.

Illinois lawmakers are working to land a $1 billion federal medical research project in Chicago. Listen for more below:

Here's where you can watch this weekend's Chicago fireworks

Posted: 01 Jul 2022 08:54 AM PDT

Cultural Tourism Director of Choose Chicago, Jason Lesniewicz, joined Bob Sirott to talk about where you can watch this weekend's Chicago fireworks and other festivities during the holiday weekend.

To find out more, use Choose Chicago's Fourth of July in Chicago guide.

Dean Richards' Entertainment Report: Netflix, Brett Michaels, and 'Friends'

Posted: 01 Jul 2022 08:50 AM PDT

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joined Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Dean and Bob talked about the recent Netflix crash, Brett Michaels' health scare, and the co-creator of 'Friends' big donation. They also shared details about events happening over the holiday weekend and what is new in streaming.

How to cook the perfect shish kebabs

Posted: 01 Jul 2022 08:51 AM PDT

Marianne Murciano, Bob Sirott's wife and founder of Savvy-Planet, joined Bob this morning to talk about cooking cheap, yet delicious meals for your holiday party, focusing on shish kebabs.

Marianne joins Bob for a weekly segment following the 8:30 am newscast. For more savvy tips, go to Savvy-Planet.Com. Share your own savvy tip: hello@savvy-planet.com. Follow Marianne on Twitter (@marimur), Instagram (@havanagirl), and on Facebook (SirottAndMurciano).

The Beat Cop's Guide to mighty fine gyros and pies

Posted: 01 Jul 2022 08:50 AM PDT

Lieutenant David Haynes, a police officer who works on the North Side of the city, makes his weekly visit to the WGN Radio studios and the Bob Sirott Morning Show. Lt. Haynes, who co-authored "The Beat Cop's Guide to Chicago Eats," reviewed Mickey's Gyros and Ribs. Located at 525 Harlem in Oak Park, the restaurant is known for serving burgers, gyros, and rib tips. Lt. Haynes also reviewed Happy Apple Pie Shop, located at 226 Harrison in Oak Park. They are known for their variety of pies, like classic apple, strawberry balsamic, and chocolate chess.

Extremely Local News: The Tamale Guy opens new location in a Logan Square Bar

Posted: 01 Jul 2022 08:50 AM PDT

Jen Sabella, the Director of Strategy and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joined Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. She provided details on:

Lakefront Trail Users Horrified As Cars Drive Onto Pedestrian And Bike Path To Avoid Traffic Jam: WATCH: Several people drove on the trail, where vehicles are not permitted. The incident shows a need for more trail protection from drivers, users say.

July 4 'Families For Abortion Access' March Aims To Elevate Voices Of Those Who Will Be Hurt Most By Roe Ruling: The owner of Kido Chicago organized the family-friendly Bronzeville march to welcome people of color and those who already have kids — groups that will be disproportionally harmed by abortion bans.

Quality Time Opens In Logan Square With Craft Cocktails, Tamales From The Tamale Guy: Claudio Velez — The Tamale Guy — has a permanent residency at the new Logan Square bar, located on Diversey Avenue in the former Son of a Butcher space.

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'My Fair Lady' returns to Chicago in all its classic grandeur through July 10th at the Cadillac Palace Theatre

Posted: 01 Jul 2022 08:35 AM PDT

In this podcast interview, Paul goes behind the curtain with Professor Henry Higgins, played by Laird Mackintosh in the touring classic Lincoln Center production of Lerner & Loewe's "My Fair Lady".  The production is directed by Barteltt Sher. Based on the classic George Bernard Shaw play "Pygmalion," this story has been told in musical form since 1956 and of course forever made available to everyone thru the classic movie starring Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison. Mackintosh previously starred in productions of The Phantom of the Opera, Jekyll & Hyde and Mary Poppins among many other productions. "My Fair Lady"  plays at the Cadillac Palace Theatre thru July 10th.