Chicago Bulls Struggle to Trade Zach LaVine as Deadline Approaches
The Chicago Bulls are desperately trying to trade Zach LaVine as the trade deadline looms. However, their progress has been incredibly slow. Several factors, including LaVine’s hefty contract of $215 million over five years and his injury history, have made it difficult to find interested parties. Additionally, the Bulls’ demanding asking price has only added to the challenges of negotiating with potential suitors.
According to ESPN’s Zach Lowe, the Los Angeles Lakers have never shown significant interest in acquiring LaVine. The combination of his expensive contract and recurring injuries has deterred them. On the other hand, there have been rumors linking LaVine to the Detroit Pistons. If this trade were to happen, Bulls fans should brace themselves for a disappointing return. However, the outcome remains uncertain.
Despite LaVine’s ties to Los Angeles, a deal with the Lakers has never materialized. While he resides and trains there during the offseason, the logistics have never aligned for a trade. The Lakers have been more focused on pursuing Alex Caruso and DeMar DeRozan, both of whom the Bulls are unwilling to part with. Consequently, Chicago finds itself at an impasse.
The Bulls have engaged in discussions with the Pistons about a potential trade involving LaVine and veteran forward Bojan Bogdanovic. However, reports suggest that the Pistons are hesitant to pull the trigger. The Bulls had initially requested one of Detroit’s highly regarded players, such as Jaden Ivey or Ausar Thompson, but the Pistons have been unwilling to meet this demand.
Complicating matters further, LaVine is currently sidelined with a foot injury, which has hindered the Bulls’ efforts to make a trade before the deadline.
Bulls in a Bind: Will They Pay the Price to Get Rid of LaVine’s Contract?
Rumors are swirling that the Chicago Bulls may have to make a sacrifice to unload Zach LaVine’s hefty contract. According to sources, rival executives believe the Bulls will need to sweeten the deal by attaching another asset, a move that the team has been hesitant to make thus far. Another option on the table is to trade LaVine as a salary dump for expiring contracts. However, the Bulls are not ready to give up on LaVine just yet.
In addition to the LaVine trade talks, there is intense interest in Bulls’ guard Alex Caruso from teams across the league. Many teams are eager to engage the Bulls in discussions about Caruso, but sources indicate that the Bulls are not interested in parting ways with him. The team is determined to stay in the Play-In race and has no plans to trade Caruso.
The Bulls’ executive vice president of basketball operations, Arturas Karnisovas, had high expectations for the team this season. During a press conference on media day in 2023, Karnisovas stated that he expected the Bulls to be in playoff contention by this point in the season. Currently, with a record of 23-26, the Bulls hold the No. 9 seed in the Eastern Conference, a mere 1.5 games ahead of the Atlanta Hawks.
While the Bulls are still within striking distance of a playoff spot, they are 4.5 games behind the No. 6 seed. A trade before the deadline could potentially bolster their chances of making a late-season push. However, it seems that the Bulls may be heading towards their third consecutive trade deadline with little to no significant activity.
By Josh Buckhalter
