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DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine are "untouchable" in trade talks
With the Chicago Bulls starting the season on a sour note, it was only a matter of time before the wolves started circling, hoping to pry the team's high-priced stars away. But according to renowned NBA reporter Ric Bucher, DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine are off-limits in any trade talks.
Bulls to stick it out
The Bulls have a high-priced roster that has fallen short of equally high expectations. At 9-14, Chicago is out of the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference and clearly needs a change. Head coach Billy Donovan has already shaken up the starting five, but that didn't work either.
Amid the speculation of a potential blockbuster trade, the front office has made it abundantly clear that DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine are "untouchable" in all trade scenarios. DeRozan signed a three-year, $81 million contract with Chicago back in 2021, while LaVine recently signed a five-year, $215 million contract.
While DeRozan has been brilliant for most of the Bulls' 23 games, LaVine is still trying to find his rhythm after knee surgery in the offseason. He has been playing well of late, scoring at least 20 points in five straight games, capped off by a 41-point explosion in the Bulls' 101-110 loss to the Kings last time out.
What's next?
According to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, many teams are watching what happens to the Bulls before December 15—the date when most players who were signed in free agency become eligible to be traded.
"Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic, I think those are all players – people in the league – teams are waiting to see will any of them be available by the trade deadline. Right now, this is a Chicago team that wants to make the playoffs, wants to get a healthy Lonzo Ball back, they’re not ready to concede yet," Wojnarowski said.
The Bulls will continue to look for a catalyst that can help get them back into the playoffs, but DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine are off-limits as far as trade talks go. However, it remains to be seen what becomes of the other member of the team's big three — Nikola Vucevic. Until now, the Bulls have been unable to negotiate an extension with the versatile big man who's set to become an unrestricted free agent after this season.
It's unclear what the Bulls' next move will be, but one thing is certain: DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine are "untouchable" in trade talks. The team's front office has made it clear that they are willing to build around their high-priced stars and make a push for the playoffs. Whether or not they can do that remains to be seen.
