Zach LaVine and the Chicago Bulls are open to parting ways and a trade could happen soon. However, the New York Knicks probably won’t acquire LaVine.
According to Stefan Bondy of The New York Post, LaVine’s camp would prefer not to get traded to the Knicks. LaVine is represented by Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group. The Knicks are led by Leon Rose, who used to run CAA.
LaVine doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract, so he can’t control where he gets traded. The Knicks, though, likely won’t trade for the UCLA product if they know he won’t be happy with them. No team wants a disgruntled player on their roster.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks Updates
LaVine is averaging 21.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.0 assists this season while shooting 40.7% from the field, 33.0% from beyond the arc and 87.1% from the free-throw line. The two-time All-Star scored a career-high 51 points against the Detroit Pistons in the third game of the season.
The Knicks have the assets to trade for a star player. It’s unknown exactly why LaVine’s camp doesn’t want to play in New York. It’s rather odd considering the Knicks play in the biggest media market and Madison Square Garden is the “world’s most famous arena.”
The Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat are interested in trading for LaVine, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium. LaVine signed a five-year, $215.2 million contract with the Bulls in July 2022.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks Updates
“This is a business, man,” LaVine said. “We’ve dealt with a lot more than people talking in the media. There’s been a lot more than that. Obviously, there was some news in the media. But we’re grown men. We’re a professional business. We know how to handle that.”
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