Bulls are allegedly “significantly” lowering their asking price in the Zach LaVine trade.
Written by Kurt Helin
Published at 10:45 AM on June 1, 2024
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At the February trade deadline, Chicago tried to move Zach LaVine, but it maintained a high asking price—an All-Star caliber player plus choices. It turned out to be a very frigid market.
LaVine is back on the trade market heading into the summer, but at a “significantly” lesser price because this is a move that both the Bulls and LaVine want, according to K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago.
It seems like both parties are driven to find a solution during the offseason. Though I get the impression they’re open to more options than previously, I don’t think the Bulls will give up much if nothing happens. More importantly, based on my previous reporting, I believe they have dramatically lowered their asking price, which was All-Star level players, first-round choices, or both. This is similar to a relationship that has reached the end, as I have stated from the first.
LaVine, a 38.2% career 3-point shooter and previous All-Star, averaged 19.5 points per game this season. He is a superb isolation scorer. Despite having played 65 or more games in four of his ten NBA seasons, he only played 25 games this season due to injuries. His lack of defense and his contribution to winning are major worries for teams as well. LaVine is costly; his deal has three years and $138 million left on it, on top of the on-court issues. When you add all of that together, playoff teams were reluctant to invest in LaVine, especially at the money Chicago was requesting.
LaVine supposedly desired a trade to the Heat, 76ers, or Lakers, but at this moment, it’s unlikely that any of those clubs could afford LaVine’s payroll. Although LaVine is a bucket, not every team sees a fit for him. Nevertheless, at a reduced asking price, the market should warm up for the two-time All-Star. It will be intriguing to watch if teams do step up this summer.
