According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on NBA Today, there isn’t a market for Bulls star guard Zach LaVine throughout the entire league at the moment.
Less than a month has passed since it was reported that Chicago and LaVine were becoming more interested in discussing a trade.
According to Wojnarowski, “Zach LaVine does not currently have a market in the NBA.” “That’s not because Chicago hasn’t looked for it; in fact, they are looking for it right now.”
Wojnarowski continues by explaining why other clubs are hesitant to sign the two-time All-Star, claiming that his production and contract are making them pause.
“I believe that teams should be asking themselves how much Zach LaVine affects winning?” said Wojnarowski. “Especially considering his pay and the recent salary ceiling, which makes you wonder if you should trade for our greatest player. No. Who is our runner-up player? No. Given that he is our third-best player, should we spend that much money?
LaVine’s 2022 deal is for five years, with four years left, and a salary of $178.1 million. LaVine is under contract through at least 2026 at an average annual salary of $44.5 million; however, he has a player option for the 2026–2027 campaign.
The Bulls, according to Wojnarowski, are hoping to obtain a respectable return for one of their best players, but he notes that in order for Chicago to achieve what it wants, teams will need to see an improvement in LaVine’s output and contribution to victory. The Bulls are 6-14 through 20 games, and LaVine is averaging 21.0 points on 44.3% shooting, which are both the lowest numbers he has had since the 2017–18 season, his rookie campaign in Chicago. In spite of his 18 appearances this year, LaVine has missed at least one week due to a foot ailment.
Over the course of the last five seasons, LaVine has averaged 25.1 points and shot 38.8% from three (7.1 attempts), yet despite his individual success in Chicago, his teams have only once ended with a winning record in his ten seasons in the league. For the first part of the 2021–22 season, the Bulls were among the best in the Eastern Conference. However, following injuries to Lonzo Ball and other players, LaVine and the team concluded with a 46–36 record and lost in the opening round of the playoffs.
Along with Kris Dunn and Lauri Markkanen, the 28-year-old LaVine was acquired by the Bulls in 2017 in exchange for Justin Patton and Jimmy Butler. After dealing for LaVine, the Bulls are 194-291.
He has averaged 20.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists over his career.
Of course, as Wojnarowski notes, teams are still figuring things out thus early in the season. However, when free players signed in 2023 become eligible for trades on December 15 and January 15, conversations about them will get more serious throughout the league.
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