Before he went down with an injury, the Chicago Bulls were reportedly focused on finding a trade for Zach LaVine. Since he’s been out, the Bulls have completely turned their season around. Those two things may not be related, but it’s significant as the NBA trade deadline (February 8) rapidly approaches.
Chicago’s success without LaVine in the lineup may be changing opinions on the Bulls star, despite the rumored potential interest of teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers, who desperately need to improve their play on the offensive end. Unfortunately for the Bulls, it’s looking more and more like they won’t get a great return for LaVine.
During an appearance on NBA Countdown, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that there’s no current trade market for LaVine, also noting that the Bulls may have to end up dumping his salary. (H/t Julia Poe of the Chicago Tribune)
“There is no market for Zach LaVine right now,” Wojnarowski said. “They may in the end just have to be glad that they can find a team that will take on his contract.”
"There is not a market for Zach LaVine right now."@wojespn with the latest on LaVine and the Bulls 👀 pic.twitter.com/r4stqcKkor
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 1, 2023
In 18 appearances this season, LaVine is averaging 21.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists while shooting 44.3% from the field and 33.6% from behind the three-point line.
However, as mentioned, the Bulls’ extended success without LaVine has spoken volumes, and the only way to revert opinions is for the star to return and help Chicago keep up their winning ways.
Following some practice with the Windy City Bulls, LaVine is inching closer closer to a return that could determine the eventual trade return Chicago receives.
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