When the offseason began, nearly everyone expected Zach LaVine to leave the Chicago Bulls, but that hasn’t happened yet.
And a new report says it might not happen at all.
According to Evan Sidery, the Bulls and LaVine are “hopeful” for a trade but the market for the star has “dried out.”
LaVine is owed $138 million over the next three years, which is a scary number for other teams.
“Unless Chicago reaches desperate levels to move LaVine, this might be a relationship both sides must begrudgingly continue into the season,” Sidery said.
The Bulls and Zach LaVine remain hopeful for a trade, but yet again the market appears dried out.
Two teams who previously registered exploratory interest, the Kings and Warriors, pivoted other directions.
LaVine will make $138 million over the next three years, which has… pic.twitter.com/i6PPBOMdbc
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) July 10, 2024
The Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors both showed interest in LaVine but they have since moved in different directions.
The chances of LaVine leaving the Bulls are dwindling and the possibility of him coming back to Chicago next season has grown substantially over the last few weeks.
It’s not as if LaVine is a bad player and he averaged 19.5 points and 5.2 rebounds last season.
But LaVine only played in 25 games due to an injury and he is a very expensive star.
Most NBA front offices don’t want to sign up for LaVine’s hefty paycheck and the chances of him getting hurt again.
So, what will the Bulls end up doing?
If they are able to figure out a deal that works for all teams involved, they might be able to move LaVine.
But there is also a chance that they commit to another year with LaVine.
If he can come back to Chicago, stay healthy, and play well, his trade value may grow in the new season and then the Bulls could part ways with him at the trade deadline.
Chicago remains hopeful about moving LaVine but that hope is diminishing.
