Zach LaVine was supposed to lead the Chicago Bulls into a new era of success. Now, it seems the team is open to moving on from him after LaVine's alleged mid-season trade request was unmet during the season. Reputed Bulls insider K.C. Johnson opened up on the team nearly dealing LaVine to the Pistons in the winter and revealing that a team source says they'll move on from him in the summer.
"Nevertheless, the Bulls engaged with the Detroit Pistons leading up to the Feb. 8 trade deadline but gained little traction on moving LaVine. A source said the Bulls will look to trade LaVine again this offseason."
Johnson also shared a quote from LaVine on the rumors surrounding him now.
“There’s a lot of things that don’t bug me. My name has been circulating around more than once from the beginning of my career to now. If I let people’s opinions bug me or influence me, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today. So I go out there and keep doing me. Haven’t really talked to anybody, but we’ll continue to push forward... My main objective is to help the guys play and be myself out there. When I’m on the court, I know I make an impact most of the time offensively, but defensively as well.”
LaVine averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists in an injury-filled 2023-24 season. The Bulls have gone 21-19 without him, showing that they can be successful if they put the right pieces around the existing core. LaVine's absence has also led to a breakout year for Coby White, so the franchise has avenues to explore in the future.
Possible Destinations For LaVine?
The market around Zach LaVine has considerably lowered in the last two seasons. From being named an All-Star, LaVine has slipped in standing around the league due to his troubling injury past and the emergence of similar stars that impact a game with a similar scoring prowess. There are major defensive concerns around him and he's in the second year of a five-year, $215 million contract, both making him an unattractive asset.
If the Pistons were interested in LaVine over the winter, they may re-emerge over the summer. The franchise projects to have over $50 million salary cap space in the summer. If they don't feel comfortable overpaying for a star in free agency in a lackluster class, they could consider moving for LaVine with ease and absorbing his salary into their space. This would be ideal for the Bulls as well, with the franchise then not required to take matching salaries in return.
The cost of the deal likely wouldn't be too high given the salary flexibility the Bulls receive in this deal.
Outside of the Pistons, it seems teams like the Lakers withdrew their hat from this race in the winter. The destinations are limited, so there could be a left-field solution to this problem for LaVine as well.
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