The Chicago Bulls have checked the temperature on Zach LaVine’s trade market throughout the offseason, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports. LaVine signed a five-year, $215.2 million deal with the Bulls in July 2022.
LaVine has appeared in 348 games with the Bulls. He’s averaging 24.5 points with Chicago and has made two All-Star teams. However, the Bulls have won only one playoff game since acquiring LaVine from the Minnesota Timberwolves in the summer of 2017 in the blockbuster Jimmy Butler trade.
The 28-year-old 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. Chicago missed the playoffs last season after making it in 2022, which is why some NBA execs thought the franchise would rebuild this offseason.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls Updates
LaVine is “not happy” his name keeps coming up in trade rumors, a league source told NBA Analysis Network. The Bulls have engaged several teams on LaVine trade opportunities since the 2022-23 season ended and the two-time Slam Dunk champion isn’t pleased by that.
“Zach is not happy he keeps seeing his name pop up in trade rumors year after year,” the NBA source said. “He’s represented the Bulls and the city of Chicago very well. He’s made two All-Star teams. He helped them get back to the playoffs. He’s played through several injuries. He hasn’t been a locker room cancer. For whatever reason, the Bulls keep dangling him in trade talks and it’s rubbing him the wrong way.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls Updates
The NBA source went on to say that he wouldn’t be surprised if LaVine doesn’t finish his contract with the Bulls. Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report thinks LaVine “will almost certainly have the highest trade value” for Chicago if the team decides to rebuild.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
