Zach LaVine and the Bulls appear to be destined for a painful parting via trade.The Chicago Bulls have finally faced reality and shifted their focus to a full-fledged youth movement. They traded Alex Caruso for Josh Giddey earlier this offseason, and they sent DeMar DeRozan to the Sacramento Kings in a sign-and-trade for two second-round picks — disappointing given how much they could have gotten if they had traded those two earlier, but better late than never. However, according to the most recent rumors, Zach LaVine is still a Bulls player, much to the annoyance of all parties involved.
The Bulls’ intention to trade LaVine is well-known; he just does not fit on a team attempting to improve its chances in the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes. Furthermore, Chicago wishes to dump the $138 million remaining on his contract, which runs for three more seasons.
But Zach LaVine also doesn’t fully trust the Bulls front office and coaching staff, according to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun Times, and this further incentivizes the team to trade him away in fear that his staying could lead to a “dysfunctional locker room,” with LaVine “poisoning the well that the younger players are drinking from”.
This situation has the potential to become toxic, despite the fact that LaVine isn’t known for making a huge deal. However, for both LaVine and the Bulls, a breakup appears to be the best option. Now, if only there was a team willing to absorb LaVine and the significant financial commitment associated with trading for him.
Zach LaVine still with the Bulls? At this point, the Bulls may have little choice except to try to mend their relationship with Zach LaVine, as it appears that no team in the NBA is willing to be their trade partner. The new CBA has made it extremely difficult for teams to accumulate large contracts such as LaVine’s, putting them in a roster-building bind.A player earning around $46 million per year on average is anticipated to be a primary option on a competing squad or to provide high-level support for a championship-caliber team. LaVine may have been that guy if he had been at his peak. However, a disappointing 2023-24 season has lowered his worth, and win-now teams are looking elsewhere (such as the Utah Jazz and Lauri Markkanen) for a lineup boost.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to LaVine, but it appears that they are holding out for a better and healthier star player. They’ve been one of the most passive teams this summer, and LaVine isn’t exactly someone they’ll be putting their chips on the line for.
The Bulls offered LaVine to the Golden State Warriors earlier this offseason in exchange for Chris Paul’s non-guaranteed deal, but they were turned down. Meanwhile, the Pistons, another team interested in LaVine, have already made their moves, bringing back Tobias Harris and re-signing Simone Fontecchio in free agency, as well as snatching up sharpshooters Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr. to solve their roster’s main need.
Acquiring two second-round picks in the DeMar DeRozan sign-and-trade may be beneficial, but at this point, it appears that the Bulls may need to attach a first-round pick just to get out of LaVine’s contract.
Is Zach LaVine set for a comeback season?
Zach LaVine’s trade value is at its lowest point in quite some time, which should ignite a fire under him, especially since it is this reality that is keeping him from finding a new team. LaVine was plagued by ailments during the 2023-24 season, averaging only 19.5 points per game — his lowest production since the 2017-18 season — and in February, he underwent surgery to repair a foot issue, thereby ending his season.One of the most appealing aspects of LaVine’s game is his athleticism, so the prospect of him suffering a foot injury and potentially losing what makes him the star player he once was is concerning. However, his chances of finding a new team will depend on his ability to regain form, so he must put his skepticism of the Bulls front office and coaching staff aside and play ball with them for the benefit of all parties.LaVine is expected to start at small forward for the Bulls, alongside Coby White, Josh Giddey, Patrick Williams, and Nikola Vucevic. With Giddey by his side, the 29-year-old former two-time Slam Dunk Contest champion may be on the verge of a comeback season.
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