The Charlotte Hornets are interested in acquiring Zach LaVine from the Chicago Bulls, according to Sam Amico of Hoops Wire.
LaVine and the Bulls are open to parting ways.
LaVine, who is represented by Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group, is averaging 21.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists this season for the Bulls. The two-time All-Star is shooting 43.1% from the field, 33.9% from beyond the arc and 87.2% from the free-throw line.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls Updates
LaVine scored 51 points in October versus the Detroit Pistons. He would like to land with the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Sacramento Kings or San Antonio Spurs, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.
However, LaVine can’t control where he gets traded since he doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract.
“That’s why I have representatives like Rich Paul. If he speaks on my behalf, that’s my agent. That’s who I obviously have my camp with. They talk to Artūras (Karnišovas) and them,” LaVine said while addressing the trade rumors. “My job is to go out here and play. Simple as that.”
LaVine signed a five-year, $215 million contract with the Bulls in the offseason of 2022. The UCLA product is making $40 million this season.
“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.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls Updates
The Hornets would have a “Big Two” of LaVine and LaMelo Ball if Charlotte’s front office figured out a way to acquire LaVine from Chicago.
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