The Chicago Bulls are open to the possibility of trading All-Star guard Zach LaVine, which has caught the attention of many NBA teams as they gather in Chicago for the annual Champions Classic.
LaVine, who is in his seventh season in Chicago, has been a consistent presence on the team, but with the Bulls struggling and sitting at a 4-7 record in the current season, the organization and player are exploring the option of a trade. The 28-year-old guard is averaging 21.9 points, 3.0 assists, and 4.8 rebounds while starting all 11 games this season. He is also in the second season of a five-year, $215 million maximum contract.
The decision to explore a trade for LaVine comes after frustration was expressed by the team after their season-opening loss to Oklahoma City. Players, led by veteran Nikola Vučević, felt that the offense was similar to last season’s and were under the impression that things would be different. Additionally, the Bulls are looking to bring back DeMar DeRozan, but his future with the team is also uncertain as discussions about an extension are currently at a standstill.
LaVine has been a consistent performer for the Bulls since arriving in 2017, but his potential trade would mean the team losing one of the game’s best isolation scorers and perimeter shooters. However, it would also provide an opportunity for the Bulls to reimagine their offense and implement a more egalitarian system.
As NBA teams gather in Chicago, conversations about a potential trade for LaVine are expected to begin, and the future for both LaVine and the Chicago Bulls remains uncertain.