The Bulls explored Zach LaVine trades over the offseason, but they had a very high asking price — the fact that they’re open to moving him isn’t new. However, LaVine had always remained loyal to Chicago, and he’s now open to a trade himself — something he didn’t deny when asked about it this week.
According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, LaVine doesn’t think the Bulls will be able to turn into a contender in the East after being mired in mediocrity ever since Lonzo Ball injured his knee in January 2022. Multiple sources tell Fischer that LaVine would prefer to play under a new head coach as well, which aligns with recent reporting that the two-time All-Star may not be the biggest fan of Billy Donovan.
As Fischer observes, while LaVine is one of the most talented scorers in the league, there are reasons why other players on the roster could have more trade value. He’s not known for his defense, he’s in the second season of a five-year, maximum-salary contract, and he’s had multiple knee injuries in the past.
Still, there are plenty of teams interested in LaVine, according to Fischer, who says rival executives view the shooting guard as more of a complementary piece rather than a player to build around. A potential deal isn’t expected to come together in the near future, which is typical considering many players around the league aren’t eligible to be traded but will be in a month or two.
Sources tell Fischer that LaVine would like to play for a “winning franchise” and he has interest in the Lakers, Heat and Sixers, who were all previously identified as potential suitors. But there are questions about whether any of those teams will ultimately pursue him for various reasons, particularly Philadelphia, which prefers to add more of a two-way player.
That list is far from comprehensive, however. They aren’t a winner at the moment, but LaVine is interested in joining the Spurs and No. 1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama — as Fischer writes, LaVine played under Gregg Popovich on Team USA in the 2020 Olympics, winning a gold medal with the Hall of Fame coach.
Sources tell Fischer that LaVine has interest in several other teams as well, including the Kings. LaVine signed an offer sheet with Sacramento as a restricted free agent back in 2018, though that was under a different front office regime, Fischer notes.
While recent reports have indicated that the 4-9 Bulls are unlikely to entertain a rebuild even if they continue to struggle, Fischer hears ownership has recently changed its stance and would be open to dealing additional veterans beyond LaVine. That could include DeMar DeRozan, who is on an expiring $28.6MM contract, and All-Defensive guard Alex Caruso.
If Caruso does become available, his market would be robust, according to Fischer, who writes that the Bulls have asked for multiple first-round picks in exchange for the 29-year-old in the past. Due to Caruso’s favorable contract (he’s owed $19.4MM over the next two seasons) and the winning plays he makes on the court, Fischer believes Chicago could indeed get a couple first-rounders for him.
Honestly LaVine isn’t a fit in Philly. So I don’t see Philly as a likely option.
It depends on who the Sixers trade to get him
I am down with getting him, but who do they give up
And I would double and triple check that LaVine is not a cancer.
Zach LaVine might get traded to either the San Antonio Spurs or Sacramento Kings. I think he might get you one first round pick.
DeMar DeRozan might get you one first round pick as well.
Alex Caruso will get you two first round picks. It’s time to blow up the roster.
Sac does not want LaVine lmao
He’s better than Huerter.
Huerter is good enough for his role. He also passes the ball. 2 things Sac has built this team around. Nobody wants that contract especially for this version of Zach. Small market kings definitely don’t.
Alex Caruso is a nice little player. He’s not getting traded for multiple firsts lol let’s be real.
All defense first team, tiny contact, zero ego. He absolutely will bring 2 (protected) firsts
And 6 points. Younger PJ Tucker. Not worth 2 FRPs. 1 FRP at most.
Agreed Caruso is an excellent rotation player but no team is going to give the Bulls a large package of picks and talent.
Positive:
Primary bench player.
20 minutes per game.
B+ defensive stopper. A-?
Excellent 3pt%,
Averagish offense for a PG.+-
Good contract.
Negative:
Below average offense for SG.
Not a primary creator.
Under average facillitator.
Not primary scorer.
Not tertiary scorer.
Horrible turnover %, especially since not primarily guarded. Or even second to guard out of 5.
Not saying Caruso is bad. He is most definitely good.
I don’t mean disrespect to Caruso. Because he is a good backup and spot starter. Just trying to be real.
2 1st round picks.
Maybe If BOTH highly protected and both projected to be very late. But nah.
What else could any team get for 2 1st round picks?
What team would entertain that?
And what decade?
Grrrr.. clarification.
A defensive stopper. Not B.
There’s little chance Spurs trade for a guy that plays no defense and certainly not by trading one of their number ones. They are not interested in modest improvements this season
Caruso is not worth multiple 1st rd picks. He’s a solid rotation piece. I’d say a young talent and a pick. Would be a big score. Considering he was signed as a FA.
Quickley tonight vs Wizards —
33 mins, 27 pts, 4 ast, 6 reb
55.6% FG, 43% 3PT, 80% FT
Poole tonight vs Knicks —
28.30 mins, 8pts. 4 ast, 1 reb
18.2% FG, 0.0 3PT, 100% FT
One plays to win. The other plays for stats he can’t get……
DeM DeR >>>>> to Knicks
Knicks need a two way player forward that can shoot 3 pt not derozen who is average defender at best and not a good 3pt shooter .
RJ plays the 3. Since you don’t watch the Knicks. Maybe you should stop talking about them..
This post had nothing to do with the Knicks, maybe you should go yell to the other 6 Knicks fans.
Angry are we I do watch the Knicks since the 90s and to get talent you need to trade talent . RJ along with picks will be traded for an upgrade at the wing . Derozen is not an
Upgrade and does not fit with the NYK system no matter how much you keep staring it .
“RJ along with picks will be traded for an upgrade at the wing”
I wouldn’t be too sure. He’s played very well so far this year. If he can keep it up, he’s not going anywhere.
RJ is the SF – wing. He’s not going anywhere. You watch the commercials not the games. You can’t argue. Or make a point. When you don’t even know who plays what. DeM is a SG. Only like His whole Freaking career. You think it’s about time you learn that ?????
So what I want is reality …… not haters dreams ……
PG —— Jalen
SG —— DeM DeR
SF —— RJ
PF —— Randle
C —— Mitch
Angry at nonsense ….. learn the game.
Chicago should be targeting Jerami Grant once he’s trade eligible. They need a 4 that can space the floor, play defence and still give them a healthy contribution on offence. Orlando don’t need Grant now they are in a rebuild and although they won’t want Zach either would take back a package of young players and picks.
One example is as follows
Chicago: Jerami Grant and a 1st (Detroit)
Detroit: Zach LaVine
Portland: Bojan Bogdanovic, Marvin Bagley Jr and Patrick Willims
Detroit has been rumoured as a landing spot and I could see a deal like this as being good for everyone but Detroit really isn’t giving much up for a near all star level talent so I’m sure another team could easily steal their spot.
Charlotte if they wanted Zach could offer Hayward aswell as young players and picks. LaMelo LaVine Miller that’s a cool little team
Are you insane? Bulls give up their best player and their best young prospect for Jerami Grant and a first? AKME should be fired on the spot if he makes that deal lol
Agreed. The Bulls are in a bad situation but don’t just trade for the sake of trading.
No one is high on Pat Will. If they trade him it’s like trading MB3 or Wiseman for peanuts.
If Pat Williams were in a different situation or combination of players, he can be better. The Bulls should keep Williams, definitely not trade Williams for peanuts.
Calling Patrick Williams your best young prospect doesn’t carry much weight when all your other prospects are guys other teams wouldn’t even give two way deals to. Like honestly the bulls young players suck.
As for LaVine, yeah he’s nice but in terms of fit he doesn’t fit well and your team sucks as it currently stands. You say don’t trade for the sake of trading but what’s the alternative, say as you are and finish outside the play in….. yeah man sounds great.
I actually think
White Caruso DeRozan Grant Vuce is better than White LaVine DeRozan Williams and Vuce. Plus on top of that you get a first, it’s a easy deal to take imo
What about Ivey in D?
That offer is a pure crap offer…
Levine and Williams for Grant and 1st is poor return
And the Chess Match Continues
Bulls have to go fast before Raptors blow it UP too …
Or NoLA
He would fit well in Miami and in Golden State.
Lavine and Herro are too similar, I think. But GS is interesting. Podziemski might make CP3 expendable enough to roll the dice
But what abt herro for lavine ?
Who does the Warriors give up? I would safely guess Kuminga, Moody, CP3 and 2 1st rounders. Warriors don’t resign Thompson next year if that goes through.
Not a great fit for the Sixers bc of ball dominance, fragility, and lackluster defense. Love the shooting and scoring. That he is like Top-25 or Top 15 at times. But overall, his short comings dont help the Sixers enough.
OG, Caruso for the Sixers.
Lakers need that high scoring player. If they can figure out a trade that doesn’t completely bankrupt their depth. Go for it.
Any LAL return would be negative on a zero-d 4.
Lolz, Lavine being the first option on every team he’s played for in the NBA and wants to play for a “winning franchise” bahahaha time to look in the mirror, pal
“Mired in Mediocrity” should be the Reinsdorf credo.
This team was going nowhere before last season, then last season, now this season. Somehow they thought something would magically change even with the same lackluster personnel and a lot of high priced guys who apparently just came here for a vacation and a check. I doubt there is heart in any of these supposed top tier players and whats worse yet is it likely infected the younger guys (who obviously are not getting the time or the coaching needed to take next steps, or just were scouted poorly and never will be anything than they are now). To paraphrase the Joker: “This team needs an enema!”
Despite what I wrote earlier about Caruso (Bulls)
Alex Caruso definitely has heart. Can’t say much about the rest.
Even though your point was more about the top paid players.
About article:
I just think it’s a disservice to Caruso, to put out there that he will get 2 1st round picks +.
Yes every team will want him for a more reasonable offer.