The Chicago Bulls have an “astronomical” and “unrealistic” asking price for Zach LaVine in trade talks, according to NBA insider Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times.
“But for now, all has been quiet on LaVine being on the move, as well as the current astronomical – and unrealistic – asking price the Sun-Times has reported the Bulls have attached to the two-time All-Star,” Cowley wrote.
LaVine has appeared in 348 games with the Bulls. He’s averaging 24.5 points with Chicago and has made two All-Star teams. However, the Bulls have won only one playoff game since acquiring LaVine from the Minnesota Timberwolves in the summer of 2017 in the blockbuster Jimmy Butler trade.
The 28-year-old LaVine averaged 24.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists for the Bulls in 2022-23. He will make $40 million next season. Chicago missed the NBA playoffs this year after making it in 2022, which is why some NBA execs thought the franchise would rebuild this offseason.
LaVine is “not happy” his name keeps coming up in trade rumors, a league source told NBA Analysis Network. The Bulls have engaged several teams on LaVine trade opportunities since the 2022-23 season ended and the two-time Slam Dunk champion isn’t pleased by that.
“Zach is not happy he keeps seeing his name pop up in trade rumors year after year,” the NBA source said. “He’s represented the Bulls and the city of Chicago very well. He’s made two All-Star teams. He helped them get back to the playoffs. He’s played through several injuries. He hasn’t been a locker room cancer. For whatever reason, the Bulls keep dangling him in trade talks and it’s rubbing him the wrong way.”
The source went on to say that he wouldn’t be surprised if LaVine doesn’t finish his contract with the Bulls. The UCLA product signed a five-year, $215.2 million deal with Chicago in July 2022.
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