Zach LaVine's no-trade restriction has been lifted but will the Chicago Bulls do something with it?

The Chicago Bulls are seemingly caught in a series of trade rumors. Their season has not gone according to plans, thereby giving space to whispers of potential moves being made before the trade deadline on February 9. Fans and Bulls players alike can expect even more rumors to swirl after star wingman Zach LaVine became officially tradeable as his no-trade restriction was lifted on Sunday.

Max player

The 27-year-old LaVine had a trade restriction due to the maximum contract he signed with the Bulls in the summer of 2022. However, it has recently been removed, and the Bulls can now look at potential moves involving LaVine. Still, reports have stated that Chicago's management isn't keen on making any huge moves before the trade deadline. This may mean that the All-Star two-guard will remain a Bull for the remainder of the season.

Perhaps LaVine's improved play of late has convinced the Bulls to keep him around. The high-flyer had 27 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists against Golden State. Over the last 10 games, LaVine has averaged 29.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game while shooting 49% from the field, including 41.1% from beyond the arc.

A slew of players eligible to be traded

According to ESPN's Bobby Marks, LaVine is just one of several players whose trade restrictions were lifted on Sunday. This includes Brooklyn's Nicolas Claxton, Houston's Jae'sean Tate, and Phoenix's Deandre Ayton.

Trade restrictions have now been lifted for:

BKN: Nicolas Claxton
CHA: Cody Martin
CHI: Zach LaVine
DEN: Vlatko Cancar
GSW: Kevon Looney
HOU: Jae'sean Tate
LAC: Nicolas Batum, Amir Coffey
MEM: Tyus Jones
MIA: Dewayne Dedmon, Victor Oladipo

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— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) January 15, 2023

A player that the Bulls would be wise to target is Ayton, Phoenix's talented big man who, at times, has been at odds with either Suns head coach Monty Williams or the front office. His size, athleticism, and length would fit in perfectly with a Bulls squad that sorely lacks an interior presence, especially on defense.

The trade deadline isn't until next month, but teams can now put some of these ideas into motion. LaVine may still remain a Bull, but the lifting of his no-trade clause has opened up possibilities for Chicago to look at potential moves. All it takes is one team to pull the trigger for a potential player to find himself in a new jersey. It will be interesting how the Bulls handle this situation as we approach the trade deadline.