The Chicago Bulls have been fielding inquiries from multiple teams regarding two of their key players — Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
This, of course, is no surprise. Multiple outlets have reported the Bulls were looking to trade LaVine and Vucevic (and possibly Lonzo Ball) since the start of the season.
LaVine, who is in his 11th season, has been drawing significant attention across the league for his rejuvenated performance. The high-flying guard is putting up 24 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game while shooting a career-high 51.4% from the field and 45% from beyond the arc.
Executives around the NBA have praised LaVine’s play this season, noting his improved consistency and efficiency. He has also earned admiration for his leadership and professionalism, a stark contrast to the trade rumors that swirled around him just a year ago.
After both LaVine and the Bulls explored trade possibilities in the offseason, his current play has bolstered his value and made him an attractive piece for contenders, Charania noted.
Vucevic, 34, is proving that age truly is just a number. Averaging 20.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, the 6-foot-10 big man has remained a steady force in the Bulls’ lineup. His shooting has been exceptional, hitting 55.4% of his shots from the field and 41.1% from three-point range.
Sources told Charania that the Golden State Warriors are among the teams expressing interest in Vucevic, seeing him as a potential fit to bolster their frontcourt depth and stretch the floor alongside their shooters.
With both LaVine and Vucevic playing at a high level, Chicago will have some tough decisions ahead as the trade deadline approaches.
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