Chicago Bulls shooting guard Zach LaVine is ready to play under a different head coach than Billy Donovan, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.
LaVine has “never gotten over” getting benched by Donovan on November 18, 2022, against the Orlando Magic, according to K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago.
During the 2021-22 season, when the Bulls won 46 games and made the playoffs for the first time since 2017, LaVine had a private discussion with Donovan about his lack of shot attempts in the fourth quarter, sources told NBA Analysis Network. DeMar DeRozan was the closer for Chicago that season, and while LaVine was happy the team was winning, he wasn’t thrilled with being a spectator in the fourth quarter.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Billy Donovan, Chicago Bulls Updates
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 and Stadium. The Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers are interested in acquiring LaVine.
LaVine would like to land with the Lakers, Heat, Sixers, San Antonio Spurs or Sacramento Kings, according to Fischer. The two-time All-Star signed a five-year, $215 million contract in the summer of 2022. LaVine has the same agent (Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group) as Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Billy Donovan, Chicago Bulls Updates
LaVine is averaging 22.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists this season while shooting 42.4% from the floor, 33.3% from beyond the arc and 87.0% from the free-throw line. He scored a career-high 51 points against the Detroit Pistons in the third game of the season.
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