Despite efforts to find a new team for Zach LaVine during this season, the Chicago Bulls proved unable to trade the two-time NBA All-Star guard this season. There is an expectation that a renewed effort to get a deal done will transpire during the looming offseason.
According to K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago, the Bulls are set to consider trading LaVine once more when the summer arrives.
“Sources now indicate the Bulls are preparing to make another attempt to trade him in the coming offseason,” Johnson wrote.
Following a right foot surgery in February, LaVine is expected to fully recover by the 2024-25 NBA season’s training camp commencement. Before undergoing surgery, he averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, shooting 45.2 percent from the field, 34.9 percent from the perimeter, and 85.4 percent on free throws.
LaVine recently expressed optimism about his recovery, describing the latest step in the process will be to get out of a walking boot as he continues rehab in Los Angeles.
“I feel really good. I get the boot off soon. I’ve been able to be out here (in Los Angeles) rehabbing, getting everything right,” LaVine said on March 9, via NBC Sports Chicago. “There’s not a lot. I just have to wait obviously for the tendon to heal. And then it’s a straightaway rehab. My legs feel strong, body feels good.”
LaVine, who signed a five-year, $215 million deal with the Bulls in July 2022, is set to earn $43 million in the next season and $45 million in the 2025-26 season. He’s largely considered as having one of the worst contracts in the NBA by league executives.
Whether he’s playing for the Bulls or another team the next time he steps on the court, LaVine remains confident in how he can impact the game.
“It’s not hard to fit back in, especially with the way I play the game and want to go out there and help,” LaVine said. “You never want to be hurt, but it’s not hard to see yourself back out there.”
LaVine addressed the rumors of the Detroit Pistons trying to trade for him before this year’s midseason deadline. He conveyed a lack of concern in how his name is discussed given he has a long history of handling similar situations throughout his NBA career.
“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,” LaVine said. “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,” LaVine continued. “When I’m on the court, I know I make an impact most of the time offensively, but defensively as well.”
Depending on how various teams finish the 2023-24 season, perhaps postseason shortcomings could cause a front office to give greater consideration to the idea of trading for LaVine.
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