Report: Bulls 'quietly gauging' two-time All-Star's trade value

Despite their interest in retaining their core, the Chicago Bulls are reportedly exploring the possibility of moving on from their franchise star Zach LaVine. 

Last season, LaVine led the Bulls in scoring (24.8 points per game), but after being eliminated in the play-in tournament, there are more questions than ever regarding the team's ceiling. Per Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer, Chicago is reaching out to teams and "quietly gauging" potential interest in making a deal for the 28-year-old shooting guard.

"It remains to be seen just how willing Chicago is to part ways with LaVine, or if it receives a commensurate offer for his services," Fischer writes. "LaVine has four seasons remaining on his five-year, $215 million contract, and multiple teams have indicated the Bulls are holding a steep valuation for LaVine — one that's likely to exceed what Washington can ultimately net for [Bradley] Beal."

Chicago's trio of LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic haven't been successful in their two seasons together, with the team's performance being relatively average since joining forces. 

With the money invested in a core that probably won't bring home a championship, it would make sense to explore all options, including an overhaul of the roster. The Athletic's Shams Charania reported last month that the team discussed an extension with Vucevic, who is an unrestricted free agent this summer.

The 12-year veteran Vucevic can sign a deal worth up to $118.1 million across four seasons with Chicago, and GM Arturas Karnisovas has publicly stated that he wants to re-sign him. 

Tying up all that money to an aging center while cutting ties with LaVine would be a far more questionable move than building around this group. While Karnisovas could be doing his due diligence by assessing the market for LaVine, perhaps Vucevic's negotiations have shifted to the point where he's genuinely considering offers for the All-Star guard. 

Additionally, DeRozan, 33, is entering the final season of his three-year, $85 million deal. If Chicago wants to rebuild, moving his expiring contract at the 2024 trade deadline wouldn't be a bad idea.

As much as LaVine's contract is excessive for a borderline All-Star, in the right situation, the gifted scorer could be the piece who propels a team into the title race.