The Zach LaVine trade market is dead
The possible Zach LaVine trade has been looming over the Bulls’ entire offseason so far, but it seems as though the talks are dead for now.
According to Luke Adams at HoopsRumors:
"...Bulls’ top executives suggested on Sunday that they don’t want to make a bad deal to just get LaVine – who has three years left on his maximum-salary contract – off their books. Karnisovas spoke as if the team is preparing for the two-time All-Star to remain on the roster this fall, and Johnson says management believes injuries contributed to LaVine’s slow start last season. "
This could all just be posturing of course, as the Bulls desperately try to claw back some leverage in this situation, as right now they have none. Everyone knows they want to trade him and teams aren’t going to give up on their demands if it means taking on the three years of LaVine’s deal.
It’s gotten ridiculous at this point, as LaVine is still a good player who can rebuild his value and reputation just by staying healthy for half a season.
It’s a tough spot for the Bulls, who need to be patient here, as a market could develop if there is an injury or a team gets desperate, but keeping LaVine might be enough to ensure the Bulls are just good enough to lose their top-10 protected draft pick in 2025, so this will be a tough needle to thread.
Given the history of this front office when it comes to asset management, these two conflicting goals should concern fans of the Bulls.