While Chicago Bulls shooting guard Zach LaVine remains well-liked in the locker room personally, there have been growing questions by teammates and the coaching staff about his accountability going back to last season, according to Joe Cowley of The Chicago-Sun Times.
There are games in which LaVine was pouty after a win and then losses in which teammates didn’t understand where he was directing the blame publicly. LaVine and the Bulls are open to parting ways, according to multiple reports.
“My camp talks to them all the time. It’s not like we’re not in a good relationship or a good talking space. We understand the business of basketball, I do more than most people. People talk. I’ve been in trade talks for a long time, so I understand the situation,” LaVine said. “But once news is always broken it’s a big thing. It’s not like it will be the first or the last time it’s going to happen with my name. As of right now I’m excited to still put this jersey on and go out here and play, try and get this win (Wednesday).”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls Updates
Asked directly by reporters if he wanted to be elsewhere, LaVine didn’t say yes or no.
“If we need to talk about that at a time, you know … right now is not that time to really talk about that. Play the Orlando Magic (Wednesday), try and get a win,” LaVine said. “If something comes obviously out later on that will be the time I talk about it.”
The Bulls held exploratory trade talks centered on LaVine during the offseason, but those conversations didn’t gain traction. LaVine is averaging 21.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists this season. He signed a five-year, $215.2 million contract with the Bulls in July 2022.
“I mean, I think it’s a combination of things where if you’re in a losing situation or a place you’re not winning games, people are frustrated,” LaVine said. “From players to the front office, the coaches … we’re not happy because we’re not winning. It’s not a bad thing, but it’s just the nature of the business. More things come up when you’re not in a winning environment.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls Updates
The Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers are interested in acquiring LaVine, who has career averages of 20.5 points with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Bulls.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
Interested in reading the latest storylines and analysis in the NFL? Check out our partner NFL Analysis Network.
