Zach LaVine has emerged as an All-Star and the Face of the Chicago Bulls
Last but certainly not least, the driving force behind the Bulls solid first half of the season. LaVine didn’t just take it to another level this season, he also skipped a level or two before settling in where he is today.
His play has wound up putting the Bulls in the middle of the playoff picture and it’s becoming increasingly likely the team focuses their attention on a playoff push instead of a firesale. At this point in the season, given the contenders across the league, the Bulls aren’t going to find fair compensation for LaVine even if they were trying to move him.
Anything is possible in the off-season, but through this year’s trade deadline LaVine should be among the Bulls untouchables. Not only is it about the compensation that would be needed to move a player performing at his level, but it’s also about reestablishing the Chicago Bulls as a free agent destination in coming years.
Players around the league respect and see what LaVine has done with his game this year, and trading him away for unworthy assets would leave a bad taste in the mouth of whatever free agents the Bulls chase in the coming seasons. The time isn’t right to even entertain offers on the breakout guard, and for that reason alone he should be the Bulls number one untouchable player.
No need to hear out callers and have that leak through the media. Build the culture one step at a time and remember what Zach LaVine has done to help establish this team’s identity. He is this team’s identity.