The Chicago Bulls are keen to offload Zach LaVine and his hefty contract, despite the challenge of finding a suitable trade partner. One potential suitor could be the Denver Nuggets, as suggested by Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley on August 16. Buckley proposed a trade scenario where the Nuggets would acquire LaVine along with a 2029 first-round pick swap (top-three protected), while the Bulls would receive Michael Porter Jr. and Zeke Nnaji.
Buckley explained that the Bulls might accept this deal to get rid of LaVine, even though it involves a protected future pick. The trade would align with their youth-focused strategy by bringing in two players who could fit well with the team’s evolving roster. Porter, despite being overpaid for his role as a shooting specialist, could benefit from a change of scenery and a more defined offensive role. Nnaji, a 23-year-old first-round pick from 2020, could fill a rotational spot for the Bulls.
Porter is entering the third year of his five-year, $179.3 million contract.
Bulls‘ Commitment to LaVine Despite Trade Talks
Even with the trade speculation, Bulls Vice President of basketball operations Artūras Karnišovas expects LaVine to join the team for training camp. “We expect him to be with us at the start of training camp,” Karnišovas stated, according to The Athletic’s Darnell Mayberry. He added that the team will not rush into trades without a clear benefit. “We’re not going to make deals that are not going to make us better,” Karnišovas said, emphasizing the team’s patience in the trade market.
Warriors‘ Lack of Interest in LaVine
Although LaVine is a two-time All-Star, his expensive contract has deterred potential title contenders like the Golden State Warriors. The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Tony Jones, and Anthony Slater reported on August 7 that the Warriors, despite having valuable assets and flexibility, are not pursuing LaVine or Brandon Ingram. The team has shown no interest in adding LaVine to their roster, preferring to explore other options.
