Tag: 2023-24 Chicago Bulls

Did Zach LaVine prove he can fit into the Chicago Bulls’ new style of play?

How will his return affect the play of point guard Coby White, who has excelled filling in for LaVine while he has recuperated?

Zach LaVine made a return to the floor for the Chicago Bulls in their recent win over the Charlotte Hornets, and the UCLA alum played well, fitting into their overall schema with a renewed focus on the defensive end of the court. The Bulls’ more egalitarian style of play that fueled their success in LaVine’s absence did not get upended by the usually score-first guard, but can that formula remain successful if LaVine takes on a larger role?

How will his return affect the play of point guard Coby White, who has excelled filling in for LaVine while he has recuperated? Will the team’s recent spate of good play take a hit as the ball club tries to rebalance not only their former starting floor general but also their starting center in Nikola Vucevic?

And who is most to blame for the Bulls’ struggles in light of what we have been seeing?

The hosts of the “Chicago Bulls Central” podcast recently weighed in on such questions in a mailbag episode — check it out above.

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Alex Caruso is in demand as a trade target, but will the Chicago Bulls deal him?

His defensive capabilities are the primary attraction to any potential suitors, and Caruso’s offensive game is complimentary to the point of being nearly plug-and-play.

The 2024 NBA trade deadline is fast approaching, and an unexpected player has emerged as one of the most in-demand trade targets across the league: Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso. Despite not being a star player, Caruso’s elite perimeter defense and affordable $9.5 million salary have put him at the center of a bidding war among title contenders.

His defensive capabilities are the primary attraction to any potential suitors, and Caruso’s offensive game is complimentary to the point of being nearly plug-and-play, leading to speculation he could net a substantial return in any trade. The Los Angeles Lakers are one of over 10 teams linked to trading for Caruso, the former Laker whom they controversially let go last summer in favor of younger, more expensive guard Talen Horton-Tucker.

Other top suitors include the Dallas Mavericks, Milwaukee Bucks, and Sacramento Kings.

The folks behind the “Sporting Logically” YouTube channel recently put together a breakdown of the rumbles they’ve been hearing. Check it out above!

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Has Zach LaVine played his last game for the Chicago Bulls?

Despite LaVine being present on the bench and showing engagement during recent games, there’s uncertainty about his future. Will the Chicago — LaVine partnership come to an end before he returns to the court?

Has Zach LaVine played his last game for the Chicago Bulls? Currently out injured with a foot strain that could have him out of commission for a month or more of the Bulls’ 2023-24 campaign, a four-game win streak in his absence following a five-game losing streak hints at Chicago moving on from the UCLA alum at the NBA’s 2024 trade deadline.

With rumors that LaVine has eyes for the Los Angeles Lakers out there, speculation that the team might be strategically sidelining the Washington native as they explore trade opportunities without publicly declaring their intentions should no buyers step up with an acceptable offer abounds.

Despite LaVine being present on the bench and showing engagement during recent games, there’s uncertainty about his future. Will the Chicago — LaVine partnership come to an end before he returns to the court?

Check out the clip embedded above to hear what the folks behind the “Kenny For Real” YouTube channel had to say about LaVine’s future with the Bulls.

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Bulls Insider: Chicago ‘hesitant’ to explore Caruso trades

Opting to trade Alex Caruso would be a very difficult choice for Chicago’s front office.

At the time of this writing, it’s still a little unclear what the basketball gods have in mind for the 2023-24 Chicago Bulls. Will the team be able to rally and make a push for the playoffs, or are the Bulls destined to come up short yet again this spring? In the mean time, opportunistic front offices and fans of NBA trade rumors are keeping a close eye on Chicago.

The most obvious point of conflict is with Zach LaVine. The former All-Star is currently sidelined with right foot soreness, but there appears to be mutual discontent between LaVine and the front office. A trade here might be most impactful for the Bulls, but finding a trade partner could be difficult given LaVine’s hefty contract. There are other players on Chicago’s roster who may prove much more attractive on the trade market. This may prove to be especially true of Alex Caruso.

Caruso is one of the NBA’s best defensive guards and a versatile offensive player on a much more team-friendly deal. In a recent mailbag column, NBC Sports Chicago insider K.C. Johnson responded to a question about Caruso, and whether the Bulls will look to move him at the height of his value.

Report: Chicago’s Zach LaVine to miss additional 3-4 weeks with foot injury

Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine is set to miss an additional 3-4 weeks with right foot soreness.

The Chicago Bulls will be without guard Zach LaVine for 3 to 4 more weeks, according to a recent update from the team. LaVine has been dealing with soreness in his right foot, and was initially sidelined in early December. At the time, it was expected LaVine would only miss a few games,  but now it appears the injury will keep him out of service for longer.

There has been a lot of chatter about what LaVine’s future in Chicago may hold. He’s been the subject of trade rumors stretching back to this summer, but moving LaVine’s hefty contract will be easier said than done. A lingering foot injury may only complicate the matter for the Bulls, who are struggling to remain relevant in the East. At the time of this writing, however, Chicago is 3-0 since LaVine went down.

A disgruntled star player isn’t the only concern for the Bulls, even if they have strung a few wins together as of late. Head coach Billy Donovan recently outlined the scope of the problem for his club. Still, losing LaVine’s high-energy scoring attack may prove difficult, especially with a particularly tough slate of games coming up in December and January.

Bulls guard Zach LaVine sidelined with foot soreness amid swirling trade rumors

Chicago star Zach LaVine will miss some time with foot soreness as trade rumors continue to swirl.

The Chicago Bulls announced former All-Star guard Zach LaVine will be sidelined for “one week” with right foot soreness, according to the Athletic’s Shams Charania. Chicago’s next three games are against the New Orleans Pelicans, the Charlotte Hornets, and the San Antonio Spurs, but around mid-December, the schedule gets much tougher for the Bulls. As such, bringing LaVine back as soon as possible will be critical for Chicago with such a tough slate of games coming up.

The club already sits at the bottom of the standings in the Eastern Conference, and any prolonged losing streak could make a shot at the playoffs much more difficult. LaVine is averaging 21.0 points per game this year along with 4.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists. Chicago’s offense already ranks No. 26 in the entire NBA, and being without such a potent scoring weapon will only make things worse.

LaVine appeared in 77 games for Chicago last season, and has yet to miss any action during the 2023-24 season. That said, trade rumors regarding LaVine have only grown louder in recent weeks as the Bulls have struggled to compete. LaVine himself recently voiced his frustration.