With less than 5 days left for the NBA trade deadline, the Chicago Bulls are in the market to trade their high-flying guard Zach LaVine to offload his contract and rebuild the team with the freed-up cap space.
The rival teams willing to negotiate this trade with the Bulls seem skeptical about the intangibles.
Who are the interested trade parties in Zach LaVine?
With the trade deadline right around the corner, rival front offices have the leverage over the Bulls, demanding more than just Zach LaVine in a trade package. The Detroit Pistons are still interested in the former All-Star. However, there is currently no clear agreement between the two parties as of now, but the debate is still active.
The Chicago Bulls may need to offer additional assets if they want to offload Zach LaVine's contract
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 2, 2024
“There's a growing feeling among rival executives that the Bulls may have to attach another asset to move LaVine, something sources said the Bulls have been hesitant to do to… pic.twitter.com/flkngwzHYU
The 6″6 shooting guard has had an injury-plagued season, culminating in an ankle injury that will keep him out of action for at least a week. LaVine has averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists so far in the 2023-24 NBA season with the Bulls jersey.
The Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers were also linked to the Bulls’ athletic guard Zach LaVine, but no advancements have been made as of now. Another option would be to use LaVine as a salary cut on an expiring contract to ease the financial burden on the Bulls’ wallet and make way for increased cap space, even if the Bulls aren’t at that stage yet.
When will Zach LaVine return to action?
Bulls Nation has felt the absence of their star player amid a disappointing season so far (23-26) in the East, seated at the 9th seed. Zach LaVine injured his ankle, something that he has been dealing with along with his knee injury since his Minnesota days.
On asking about his recovery and return in the Bulls uniform, the duration is colliding with the trade deadline. Coach Billy Donovan said on Friday that the star guard will need at least a week of rest before being evaluated by the team’s medical staff, meaning LaVine will miss at least three games.
LaVine has been sidelined since suffering an ankle sprain against the Toronto Raptors on January 18, but Donovan said the ankle is healing. The highly paid star will be away from the field for the first 17 matches due to swelling and discomfort in his foot.
