After getting off to another rough start at 4-7, the Chicago Bulls look like a team set to miss the playoffs for the second year in a row. For some of the team’s better players, like Zach LaVine, spending another season in a non-competitive situation just isn’t ideal. Their unfortunate situation has caused the Bulls’ front office, led by general manager Marc Eversley, to begin working through various trade scenarios for the two-time All-Star.
While there are some flaws to his game, like his less-than-ideal ability to guard his opponent, LaVine’s talent as a three-level scorer will draw plenty of interest around the NBA.
Yet, as NBA insider Marc Stein indicates, don’t expect LaVine to end up joining Joel Embiid with the Philadelphia 76ers as Tyrese Maxey continues to perform at an All-Star level.
Instead, Stein suggests two teams, the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers, as two organizations who “could emerge with substantive” interest in trading for LaVine.
Complicating a trade is LaVine’s current contract, which has him at a base salary of $40 million this season. LaVine, 28, is signed through the 2025-26 season, with an additional year available as a player option for $48.9 million in 2026-27.
Zach LaVine’s stats (2023): 21.9 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 3 APG, 40.9% FG, 30.9% 3PT
The Bulls aren’t close to competing for an NBA championship, which means the front office is likely to prioritize a collection of young prospects or draft capital in any potential LaVine trade. Yet, his large salary could lead to several players on expiring contracts heading to Chicago too, simply to make salaries work according to NBA trade rules.
No matter what, LaVine is likely on the trade block, and if teams are looking for a scoring boost, the Bulls’ shooting guard may be the best option available. Whether teams are willing to pay the price could be a separate story.