Chicago Bulls’ head of basketball operations, Arturas Karnisovas, remains determined to trade guard Zach LaVine and, to a lesser extent, center Nikola Vucevic. According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Bulls are still actively seeking trade options for both players.
LaVine and the Bulls have reportedly been looking to part ways for almost a year, but no team seems willing to offer significant assets for the former All-Star. Vucevic has also recently been mentioned in trade rumors, though interest in him appears limited as well. The relationship between LaVine and the Bulls is described as strained.
ESPN’s Jamal Collier reports that LaVine feels “singled out” during team film sessions, believing he has been unfairly blamed for the Bulls’ struggles. This sentiment stems from a tenure that has seen just one playoff appearance in seven years.
LaVine wants a fresh start, but his trade value is low due to his injury history and hefty contract. An NBA source told Hoops Wire that LaVine is interested in joining the Los Angeles Lakers, where he shares an agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group, with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. However, the Lakers are not expected to pursue a trade for LaVine. He has three years and $138 million remaining on his contract and is recovering from season-ending right foot surgery he underwent in February.
LaVine, a two-time All-Star and Slam Dunk Contest champion, played in just 25 games in the 2023-24 season, averaging 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.3 blocks while shooting 45.2% from the field, 34.9% from three-point range, and 85.4% from the free-throw line. He signed a five-year, $215 million contract with the Bulls in July 2022.
Throughout his career with the Timberwolves and Bulls, LaVine has averaged 20.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.3 blocks. He holds a 216-364 record in the NBA. A Bulls source told ESPN, “He’s never won, he’s done it his way the whole way and never won. If he’s interested in winning, he’ll do what’s asked of him. And if he’s motivated to not be here, one way is to come, be compliant and be who he is.”
