With the Chicago Bulls failing to qualify for the postseason despite having aspirations to contend for an NBA title last season, there have naturally been questions about what’s in store for their roster. Zach LaVine’s future with the team has become a particular focus of speculation.
LaVine averaged 24.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists for the Bulls in 2022-23 while shooting 48.5% from the field, 37.5% from beyond the arc, and 84.8% from the free-throw line. He will make $40 million next season.
The Bulls have started contacting teams, quietly gauging the trade interest in LaVine, as reported by Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports. LaVine signed a five-year, $215.2 million contract with Chicago in July 2022.
With questions being raised about where LaVine could end up in a potential trade, there is information surfacing about a potential team he’d like to avoid playing for.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls & New York Knicks Updates
According to NBA insider Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News, LaVine doesn’t want to be traded to the New York Knicks despite the organization possessing the necessary assets to pursue a deal.
“Zach LaVine’s representatives would be against a deal to the Knicks, the Daily News has learned,” Bondy wrote. “The Bulls are reportedly gauging interest in the All-Star guard, which prompted speculation that the Knicks — who are strapped with future draft assets — would get involved.”
The 28-year-old LaVine is represented by Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group. If the Bulls decide to trade LaVine, they would be focused on getting a good young player, multiple first-round picks and salary filler, according to K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls & New York Knicks Updates
Given LaVine has previously suffered multiple major knee injuries, some around the NBA question the value he may have throughout the remainder of his contract as he nears 30 years of age. With a restrictive CBA being implemented, teams could be all the more cautious to part with the trade package the Bulls would seek.
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