Spurs' chances at acquiring Zach LaVine take major blow

Despite some recent encouraging signs that the San Antonio Spurs could have a legitimate shot at landing Zach LaVine, the latest report seems to indicate that may no longer be the case.

According to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report in a Tuesday morning column, the two-time NBA All-Star is expected to re-sign with the Chicago Bulls when the free agency negotiation period opens on June 30th.

There have been several rumblings of other teams potentially having a shot at landing LaVine in free agency after Chicago's disappointing first-round exit to the Milwaukee Bucks. LaVar Ball even went so far as to say LaVine was "as good as gone" in a May interview, but he's not exactly Adrian Wojnarowski.

Fischer goes on to single out the Spurs as being the only team that could offer a clear No. 1 playmaking opportunity while being able to afford LaVine but adds that they're "far off from the postseason environment LaVine prefers." This seems more like commentary from Fischer himself than something LaVine would've said, as he's only appeared in five playoff games in his eight-year career. Still, cheap shot.

In the end, the Bulls can offer an extra year with higher salary raises each year -- something other teams can't do this summer. That means while he can sign with another team for four years and $160 million, he could stay with Chicago for five years and $212 million -- that's definitely a huge advantage when all other things are even.

Ultimately, we can't take this report as ironclad evidence that the Spurs are completely out on LaVine, as things can always change before pen hits paper. But Fischer hits on many more reports than he misses on, so this does deal a blow to fans hoping to poach the talented wing from the Windy City.