The Chicagꩲo Bulls sound more desperate than ever before to move Zach LaVine.
The organization has yet to find any legitimate interest for the two-time All-Star. While the Sacramento Kings were recently linked as the “most likely” suitor, those rumors have fallen silent. It’s always possible that doors open over the next handful of days, particularly as certain teams begin to strike out on their top free-agent options. However, , we shouldn’t hold our breath.
The former front office executive turned analyst emphasized how non-existent LaVine’s market stands. Things have apparently gotten so bad that the Bulls are trying to attach draft capital:
“Literally, there is no market for Zach LaVine. They are trying t🌄♓o give him away and attach a first-round pick. I’ve been told that by multiple, multiple people. And that is not happening.”
Nope, don’t like that!
Attaching an Asset to Zach LaVine
LaVine is owed roughly $138.0 million over the next three seasons. Combine that hefty payday with his lone playoff appearance and recent season-ending foot surgery, and it’s not hard to understand why teams are skeptical about acquiring the scorer.
Indeed, many have thought that Chicago may have to eventually incentivize a team to take on his salary. The idea of tying two-time All-Defensive Team member Alex Caruso to LaVine was a popular one for months. Of course, the Bulls chose to go down a different path by moving Caruso to OKC for Josh Giddey. Considering the franchise’s apparent desire to build a younger roster and prioritize the future, the move makes more sense. So why the heck are we now hearing that they are willing to trade a future draft pick to get off LaVine?
I’ve always thought this was a bad idea. The Bulls should be in the business of asset accumulation. Is LaVine clearly a thorn in their side? Yes. But moving a draft pick just to dump his salary doesn’t make a lot of sense at this point. If anything, the Bulls are closer to becoming the kind of team that should take on bad contracts for future assets.
With that in mind, I would easily opt for bringing LaVine back into the mix this season and trying to increase his value. He will have a very long runway to play his brand of basketball, particularly next to a younger and more athletic lineup. Is it possible he’ll win the Bulls a couple of more games than they’d like? Maybe … but that hasn’t necessarily been LaVine’s strength before.
Also, if this is true, I should clarify that I’m BAFFLED no one has traded for LaVine yet. I understand the flaws, but we’re still talking about one of the best three-level scorers in the NBA. He’s an incredible athlete, a 38.2 percent career 3-point shooter, and a genuine professional. His salary is also becoming a smaller and smaller percentage of the cap as the years go by! None of these desperate contenders would take a chance on him AND a future pick?
It really does make me question what Marks is saying here. Are the Bulls trying to include the Portland lottery-protected first? Is that why teams aren’t interested? Otherwise, grabbing Bulls picks sure feels like a good idea for almost any team. They have no real established star and no clear path toward contention. Even if it’s a 2029 or 2030 pick, I have to imagine that’d be pretty appealing.
Anyway, this is all going to be really interesting to follow over the next couple of days. Free agency is going to ch♎ange a lot of plans for a lot of teams. By the time players like Paul George and Klay Thompson sign, LaVine could suddenly look that much 🔴more appealing.
Check out Marks’ full :
