The Chicago Bulls have been busy trying to trade Zach LaVine.
LaVine’s agent Rich Paul tried to keep things civil by reminding everyone that LaVine has been professional during all of this, sticking up for his client according to K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago.
The Bulls are certainly doing their part to try and end this relationship and have reportedly made up to 15 proposals to various teams, all of which have been shot down.
This isn’t going to get better for Chicago as it drags on, and the market just got a little smaller when the Warriors traded for Buddy Hield, which likely crosses another potential team off the list.
So, who is left for Zach LaVine?
Teams that could trade for Zach LaVine
#1: Sacramento Kings
The Kings have been reported to have interest in LaVine and the Bulls could potentially take back Kevin Huerter and other contracts Sacramento wants to shed.
The sticking point for all of these teams is that they are going to want assets to take on LaVine’s deal. It shows how badly the Bulls have mismanaged this, as LaVine is still a good player, not a guy they should have to pay to give away.
The Kings have also reportedly shown interest in DeMar DeRozan in a possible sign-and-trade, so they are a team to watch.
#2: Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz are always looking to take on assets they could potentially flip in the future and LaVine would qualify. If he comes back and shows he can play and stay healthy, whoever takes him on will be able to flip him for assets when his deal is expiring.
It’s something to consider for the rebuilding Jazz, who have a surplus at the power forward spot and could potentially send back a player like John Collins.
It’s doubtful Utah is going to do that for free, so it may again come down to what the Bulls are willing to attach to get off of LaVine’s deal and bring back a useful rotation player.
#3: Detroit Pistons
The Pistons were exploring a LaVine trade before he was injured and still have plenty of cap space to play around with.
New team president Trajan Langdon has shown a willingness to take on contracts if there are assets attached, but after signing Tobias Harris, the LaVine option might be less likely.
The Pistons would now have to send back a contract, but they do have one in Tim Hardaway Jr. that could work for the Bulls. He only has one year remaining on his deal, so the Bulls would save a ton right away and even more in the future.
Detroit isn’t going to do this for free, and the Bulls would likely have to attach a future draft pick or two.
This is the conundrum for the Bulls. Rebuilding teams shouldn’t be giving away draft capital, especially when they have precious little of it like the Bulls.
But they may have to if they want to get off LaVine’s deal, which is the albatross hanging around the neck of their offseason and future.