Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Knicks met with 'giant' asking price in trade talks for Bulls star Zach LaVine

By Vinny Somma | Last updated 7/20/23

While speculation of Joel Embiid's future whereabouts is currently the talk of the town in New York, the Knicks have spent their summer poking around for other potential star additions.

According to Fred Katz of The Athletic, New York "made contact" with the Chicago Bulls this summer regarding a potential trade for shooting guard Zach LaVine. The asking price for the two-time All-Star was "giant," according to one league source, which is why LaVine remains in Chicago.

LaVine, 28, averaged 23-plus points for the fifth consecutive season in 2022-23, shooting 48.5% from the field. He is entering the second year of a five-year, $215.1M contract.

Zach LaVine and his camp are against a trade to the Knicks, per @SBondyNYDN pic.twitter.com/nCQZEXYK9A
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 23, 2023

Ultimately the Knicks may have dodged a headache. Per Stefan Bondy of the Daily News, LaVine and his camp are against a potential deal to the franchise. Their concerns stem from a belief New York favors clients of CAA, the former agency of current Knicks president Leon Rose. LaVine is represented by Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group.

While Rose's previous ties to CAA may be a sticking point for LaVine and his camp, it's one of the glaring reasons why the Knicks are the current favorites to land Embiid if traded. Before taking over New York's front office, Rose served as Embiid's agent under CAA.

“I mean line up the Acela Express send him up to NY. That’s been what has been the murmurs. You said NY, we’ve all heard NY, we know the connection b/w Leon Rose & Joel Embiid…”

— ESPN Dave McMenamin on Embiid’s “or anywhere else” comment

Lowe Post: https://t.co/TY1UOAMrVG pic.twitter.com/EomwJlU4gP
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) July 18, 2023

Here's what the reigning league MVP had to say when Rose landed the gig in New York:

“Leon is my guy. He’s like family. When I heard the news I was happy for him. Being an agent for a long time and getting a GM or president job is amazing. He’ll do a good job.”

Joel Embiid is an ‘ideal’ trade candidate for the Knicks, per @SBondyNYDN

“Embiid has been mentioned for months around league circles as the Knicks’ ideal trade candidate. Leon Rose, who served as Embiid’s agent before taking over New York’s front office, has accumulated a bevy… pic.twitter.com/AN82GblrDf
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) July 17, 2023

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