Several NBA sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity conveyed the feeling that Chicago Bulls shooting guard Zach LaVine’s game does not translate well to winning situations, per Sam Vecenie of The Athletic.
LaVine has only made the playoffs once in his career. That was in 2022 with the Bulls. Chicago lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round of the 2022 playoffs in five games.
Teams are probing the availability of LaVine and there’s been increased openness from the Bulls and LaVine about exploring a trade, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Chicago Bulls, Zach LaVine Updates
LaVine signed a five-year, $215 million contract in the summer of 2022. The Bulls missed the playoffs last season and a 4-8 start to this season has accelerated the timeline for LaVine and the Bulls to part ways.
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 and two-time Slam Dunk Contest champion scored a career-high 51 points against the Detroit Pistons in the third game of the season.
Since he doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract, LaVine can’t control where he gets traded. The talented scorer is making $40 million this season.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Chicago Bulls, Zach LaVine Updates
The 28-year-old LaVine has career averages of 20.5 points with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Bulls. The Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat are interested in trading for LaVine, who is represented by Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group.
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