Zach LaVine doesn’t expect to be traded by the Chicago Bulls this offseason despite being in a bevy of NBA trade rumors. The two-time All-Star and two-time Slam Dunk champion told NBC Sports Bay Area that he doesn’t “love” to hear his name in rumors but understands it’s part of the business.
“I’ve been with the Bulls for seven years. I’ve had my name in trade talks,” LaVine said. You don’t love it, but you understand the business. I’ve been traded before, so you understand it. I always rep my city whichever team I’m playing for to the best. And Chicago’s loved me and called me one of their own since I’ve been there.
“I don’t see anything happening anytime soon. But if it does, Chicago always has my love.”
The Bulls want a young player with upside and multiple draft picks if they trade LaVine, according to Kyle Neubeck of PhillyVoice. Chicago has been gauging LaVine’s value around the NBA this summer. The UCLA product signed a five-year, $215.2 million contract last offseason.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine & Chicago Bulls Updates
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 shooting guard has been linked to the Philadelphia 76ers and Portland Trail Blazers since both teams are dealing with trade requests from superstars.
James Harden wants to get traded by the Sixers to the Los Angeles Clippers and Damian Lillard demanded the Blazers trade him to the Miami Heat. Neither Harden nor Lillard wants to play for the Bulls, but it’s possible Chicago could be the third team needed in a blockbuster trade, with LaVine getting shipped to a new city.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine & Chicago Bulls Updates
LaVine, 28, has career averages of 20.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Bulls. He’s one of the best scorers in the NBA, averaging 25.4 points over the last three seasons.
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