Bulls' Zach LaVine saga needs to end

The Chicago Bulls have reportedly been shopping Zach LaVine since January. The two-time All-Star's contract has been a major sticking point in the franchise's attempts to find a willing trade partner. LaVine has three years left on his five-year, $215 million contract.

According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Bulls have been "aggressive" in their discussions with potential trade partners. However, their options have dried up over the opening weeks of free agency. 

"He’s still with the Bulls. And the talk at Summer League is that while Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley continue aggressively talking with teams about moving LaVine, there have been no takers," Cowley wrote. "Possible landing spots for LaVine with the Kings, Magic, Pistons and Warriors were scuttled by the draft and/or free agency."

Chicago is entering a rebuild. LaVine doesn't fit its current trajectory. His contract will also hamstring the franchise's flexibility on the trade market. LaVine is also too talented to spearhead a rebuilding team's offense. His presence would hinder the chances of falling far enough in the standings to have a chance at a high lottery pick. 

LaVine's time with the Bulls is over. Both parties are likely waiting for an opportunity to arise. The longer this saga drags on, the more bitter the entire situation has the potential to become. LaVine deserves to be on a team where he can help it contend. However, he must accept that his role will be smaller than what he's become used to under Billy Donovan. 

Conversely, the Bulls must accept that a return package won't be earth-shattering. Instead, Chicago will likely have to take on some bad contracts and future draft capital. 

The Bulls have a hard task on their hands. Figuring it out has to be their priority. Otherwise, things between LaVine and the front office could start to get ugly.