The Detroit Pistons have emerged as a potential suitor for a Zach LaVine trade with the Chicago Bulls, as reported by James L. Edwards III of the Athletic. The Bulls are reportedly “locked in” on receiving Bojan Bogdanović and a prospect from Detroit in exchange for LaVine.
The Pistons and Bulls have been in discussions on a Zach LaVine trade, per @JLEdwardsIIIhttps://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bogdabo02.html (https://t.co/p77Mqv9jFw).
Chicago is “locked in” on a package that would include Bojan Bogdanovic and one of their core young players.
Detroit has no interest including Cade Cunningham,… pic.twitter.com/Xzyokf3Bc9
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) January 25, 2024
NBA Rumors: Zach LaVine Headed to Detroit?
Trade Talks Between Detroit and Chicago
Although there is interest from both sides, different valuations will render this deal difficult to complete. The Bulls’ asking price seems too steep for the Pistons at the moment.
Edwards III reported on this by stating, “Chicago appears to be locked in on a package involving Bojan Bogdanović and one of Detroit’s blue-chippers for LaVine and his hefty contract. Once again, the Pistons have shown no interest in parting with any of [Cade] Cunningham, [Jaden] Ivey, [Jalen] Duren or [Ausar] Thompson.”
Chicago must know that a team that has only won five games would not part with their core, young talent in exchange for LaVine. The Bulls must lower their asking price for LaVine if they intend on getting him out of Chicago before February 8th.
Detroit will likely wait for them to do just that, Edwards III noted. “It is possible Detroit considers adding LaVine when/if the Bulls’ asking price goes down. However, those are discussions that have been happening and will continue to happen internally.”
The Pistons could offer one of Alec Burks or Killian Hayes in addition to Bogdanović. That would help avoid a logjam in the backcourt should LaVine come in.
However, Edwards III also reported that the Pistons aren’t in any particular rush to move on from Bogdanović and Burks.
“The Pistons are not actively shopping either player, per league sources…But I get the sense that two really good second-round picks, at minimum, would cause Detroit to consider a move before the deadline.”
Zach LaVine
The former UCLA guard has struggled to remain on the floor this season, dealing with a myriad of foot injuries. After returning from a 17 game absence, LaVine played in only seven games before suffering an ankle sprain January 18th against the Toronto Raptors.
It’s also been a statistical down year for the two-time All-Star, which, combined with his injury history, has hindered his trade value. LaVine is averaging 19.5 points per contest, his lowest total since 2017-18.
The 6’5 wing is in the second year of a five-year, $215 million contract that he signed with Chicago in 2022.
Zach LaVine Trade and Pistons Outlook
Health has always been the issue for the talented LaVine. Should he steer clear of injury, he would form a formidable backcourt with Cunningham. Two All-Star level guards in addition to a youthful nucleus would certainly boost Detroit’s attractiveness in free agency, regardless of how poorly 2023-24 has gone.
