Two-time NBA All-Star Zach LaVine wants to stay with the Chicago Bulls despite trade rumors surrounding him, a league source told NBA Analysis Network.
Several people around the NBA believe the Bulls could trade LaVine this summer and embark on a rebuild, but the two-time Slam Dunk champion would like to remain in Chicago.
“Zach wants to stay with the Bulls,” the source said. “He loves living in Chicago and playing for such a historic franchise like the Bulls. Now, he was upset that his name came up in trade rumors at the deadline this year and his on-court fit with DeMar (DeRozan) hasn’t always been perfect. But if it were up to him, he would stay with the Bulls.”
LaVine signed a five-year, $215.2 million contract with the Bulls in July 2022. The two-time All-Star, who averaged 24.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 77 games this season while shooting 48.5% from the field, 37.5% from beyond the arc and 84.8% from the free-throw line, will make $40 million next season.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine & Chicago Bulls Updates
Chicago missed the playoffs this year after making it in 2022, which is why some NBA execs believe the franchise could rebuild this offseason. To that end, several execs are skeptical about the long-term marriage between LaVine and the Bulls, according to K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago.
“But several rival executives who NBC Sports Chicago talked to at the combine are skeptical about the long-term marriage between Zach LaVine and the Bulls,” Johnson wrote.“LaVine, who has been loyal to the Bulls, has grown tired of consistently landing in trade rumors, although talk of the New York Knicks’ interest at the trade deadline was overstated. LaVine also represents the Bulls’ most dynamic scorer in terms of his ability to heat up either beyond the arc or attacking the rim.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine & Chicago Bulls Updates
“Again, the Bulls publicly have backed LaVine at every opportunity so believe that for now over rival executives’ speculation. But that speculation is prevalent enough to acknowledge.”
LaVine is represented by Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group. It will be fascinating to see what happens to the star this summer.
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