Chicago Bulls set lofty price tag for Zach LaVine

The fact that Chicago Bulls All-Star wingman Zach LaVine is once again involved in trade rumors is no longer surprising. What is, though, is that the Bulls are exploring the trade market for their high-scoring wingman, who's just a year removed from signing a massive five-year, $215 million contract with Chicago.

The Bulls' decision-makers may be just doing their due diligence. After all, LaVine is their most valuable trade chip and is capable of bringing in a treasure trove of young players and draft picks that can help the team get back on its feet after missing the NBA Playoffs this season. Whatever the reason, one thing is clear: whichever team dares to venture into the LaVine trade talks will have to make a bold move and be willing to pay up.

Lofty price

According to Bulls insider K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago, the team would need an offer of young players and first-round picks to bring them to the table.

"One league source said the Bulls would be focused on getting a good young player, multiple first-round picks and salary filler if they decide to trade LaVine. Another said one first-round pick and an established, high-end player might be sufficiently intriguing," wrote Johnson.

Despite getting off to a slow start due to offseason knee surgery, LaVine eventually got going and ended this season with averages of 24.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, making him one of the NBA's premier perimeter threats.

Big offseason for the franchise

The Bulls have a lot of decisions to make regarding their free agents. Should they re-sign Nikola Vucevic, Ayo Dosunmu, and Coby White? Do they bring back essentially the same roster that failed to reach the postseason this season? It's going to be an interesting offseason for Chicago as they work towards becoming a playoff contender once again.