Chicago Bulls shooting guard Zach LaVine has landed in trade conversations with the Philadelphia 76ers and Portland Trail Blazers, according to NBA insider K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago.
James Harden has requested a trade from the Sixers and wants to play for the Los Angeles Clippers, while Damian Lillard has demanded the Blazers trade him to the Miami Heat. Neither Harden nor Lillard has a no-trade clause, so they can’t force their way to a specific team.
“The LaVine trade chatter isn’t going away,” Johnson wrote. “In fact, league sources said that LaVine has landed in preliminary conversations with both the Philadelphia 76ers and Portland Trail Blazers, who are working with James Harden and Damian Lillard, respectively, to find them new homes.”
The Bulls have engaged several teams on LaVine trade opportunities. However, they haven’t found a team willing to give them what they want for the two-time All-Star. Chicago is said to hold LaVine’s trade value far above the return the Washington Wizards netted for Bradley Beal, who was traded to the Phoenix Suns.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports mentioned the Bulls in the Harden trade sweepstakes since they have two All-Stars in LaVine and DeMar DeRozan. The Sixers are looking to acquire a grand package for Harden.
LaVine averaged 24.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists for the Bulls in 2022-23. He will make $40 million next season. The UCLA product signed a five-year, $215.2 million contract with Chicago in July 2022.
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.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
LaVine is represented by Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group. It will be fascinating to see what happens to the star this offseason.
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