The Chicago Bulls entered the 2024 NBA offseason with several objectives, including the potential trade of Zach LaVine. Following a lackluster 2023-24 season, the Bulls attempted to trade the two-time NBA All-Star before the trade deadline. However, a season-ending ankle injury halted those plans until the offseason. As of September, LaVine remains on the roster with the new season approaching.
While there’s still time to make a deal before the 2024-25 season, reports suggest that the Bulls are shifting gears and looking to mend their relationship with the 29-year-old veteran. Joe Crowley of the Chicago Sun-Times reported that Chicago is now focused on keeping LaVine, likely due to a limited trade market for the experienced wing.
Several factors contributed to the lack of movement on LaVine. At nearly 30, he’s coming off his most injury-prone season in a decade, raising concerns about his ability to maintain his signature explosiveness. Moreover, his hefty contract poses a challenge for potential suitors, with an average cap hit of $44.5 million over the next two seasons, and a $48.9 million player option for 2026-27.
Though LaVine’s recent performance was his weakest as a Bull—averaging 19.5 points on .452/.349/.854 shooting, along with 5.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 25 games—Chicago hopes repairing their relationship with LaVine could help the team return to playoff contention after missing the last two postseasons. The Bulls will begin their 2024-25 campaign on the road against the New Orleans Pelicans on Oct. 23.
