The Chicago Bulls have been actively exploring trade options for Zach LaVine this season.
Earlier in the year, the Chicago Bulls initiated discussions with the Los Angeles Lakers. However, those negotiations didn’t progress significantly, and any chance of revisiting them seems unlikely now, especially after the Lakers traded D’Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets.
Recently, Chicago has shifted focus and engaged the Denver Nuggets in talks about a potential deal for LaVine. While those discussions aren’t entirely off the table, they’ve hit a standstill for the time being.
Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times recently shed light on Zach LaVine’s trade situation, noting that discussions with the Denver Nuggets had shown “light momentum” but have since stalled. However, these talks haven’t been entirely dismissed.
Cowley explained in his report: “The Sun-Times reported last month that there was ‘light momentum’ in trade talks with Denver, and while they weren’t completely taken off the table, they have stalled.”
He also highlighted previous discussions involving LaVine and the Los Angeles Lakers, stating, “A source also said that there was early-season talk about LaVine and the Lakers, but the puzzle didn’t have the right pieces at the time. With Los Angeles moving the D’Angelo Russell contract a few weeks ago for Dorian Finney-Smith, the puzzle was all but thrown in the garbage.”
What will the bulls get?
A potential trade package discussed involves the Nuggets sending forward Michael Porter Jr. and forward/center Zeke Nnaji to the Bulls in exchange for LaVine.
However, the Bulls have reservations about absorbing Nnaji’s four-year, $32 million contract, which complicates the trade discussions.
Despite the trade rumors, LaVine is delivering one of the strongest performances of his career. The seasoned wing is averaging an impressive 23.6 points per game with efficient shooting splits of 52% from the field, 44% from three, and 81% from the free-throw line. Additionally, he’s contributing 4.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game, showcasing his well-rounded skill set.
