The Dallas Mavericks are unlikely to pursue a trade for Chicago Bulls shooting guard Zach LaVine, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
LaVine and the Bulls are open to parting ways. LaVine is averaging 21.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists this season while shooting 40.9% from the floor, 30.9% from 3 and 87.9% from the free-throw line. He scored a career-high 51 points against the Detroit Pistons on October 28.
The Mavericks already have two ball-dominant players in Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Dallas is 8-3 on the season and playing good basketball, so there really is no need for the team to shake things up.
LaVine signed a five-year, $215.2 million contract with the Bulls in July 2022. The UCLA product has the same agent (Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group) as Los Angeles Lakers superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Chicago is only 4-7 on the season.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks Updates
“Do I feel frustrated? I’m frustrated we’re not winning,” LaVine said. “I think if you’re not frustrated, that’s a problem. It’s an upsetting thing when we’ve been trying to do the right thing for the last three or four years. It seems like we’re in the same place. We’re trying to get over that hump. We’re working every day for it. We’re going to keep doing that.”
The Lakers, Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers are interested in acquiring LaVine from the Bulls, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium. LaVine doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract, so he can be traded anywhere.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks Updates
“I don’t take anything for granted. My time here has been nothing but wonderful. I’ve grown up here. I’ve raised a family here. Had some great memories,” LaVine said. “Hopefully, people understand that, how much I care about Chicago.”
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