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Report states Chicago Bulls have contacted teams to gauge interest in Zach LaVine
In the weeks following after the Chicago Bulls got eliminated by the Miami Heat from the Play-in Tournament, the message from the team’s decision-makers was clear: they were going to lean into continuity and use the core of a group that had grown together to build something significant.
That sentiment likely still holds true, but the Bulls appear to be asking around to make sure they’re not missing out on any potential moves that could take them to another level. According to Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer, the Bulls have begun making calls across the league to try and see what a potential trade involving two-time All-Star Zach LaVine might net them.
Gauging trade interest
To be completely fair, the Bulls may very well be doing their due diligence here and not actually looking to move LaVine. After all, the 28-year-old has been one of Chicago’s best players in recent years, averaging 24.5 points per game this past season while shooting 38% from three-point land over the last six seasons.
“Wishful executives will keep their eyes peeled on Portland and Damian Lillard, but it’s the Chicago Bulls who have started contacting teams, quietly gauging the trade interest in Zach LaVine, league sources told Yahoo Sports. It remains to be seen just how willing Chicago is to part ways with LaVine, or if it receives a commensurate offer for his services,” Fischer wrote.
King’s ransom
The UCLA product just completed the first year of a five-year max contract worth $215 million. The asking price for a player of LaVine’s caliber—if and when the Bulls are ready to move him—will likely be a king’s ransom. LaVine has averaged 24.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game over the last six years, making him one of the NBA’s elite at his position.
“LaVine has four seasons remaining on his five-year, $215 million contract, and multiple teams have indicated the Bulls are holding a steep valuation for LaVine — one that’s likely to exceed what Washington can ultimately net for Beal,” Fischer added.
