The Chicago Bulls have been trying to trade guard Zach LaVine for at least a year.
On the court, they’ve had to determine whether his numbers are empty stats, his habits undermining his talent. Off the court, they’ve had to work through a rough patch in his relationship with Bulls head coach Billy Donovan. In the red without much to show for it, they’ve had to wonder whether his contract was an overpay.
The problem is that this is so well-documented that it negatively impacted his reputation and thus his value. That isn’t to say that Chicago has to run a PR campaign for LaVine. However, if a team wants to get maximum value for a player they’re looking to trade, them being characterized as a thorn in their side is likely to be counterproductive. Fortunately for the Bulls, the 29-year-old has been playing quite well this season.
Whether he’s on redemption or revenge tour, he’s reminding plenty of people why he’s a multi-time All-Star.
Bulls’ Zach LaVine Getting Redemption & Revenge Amid Trade Rumors
LaVine’s production is just part of the story.
Averaging 23.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 0.9 steals per game with a .640 true shooting percentage, he’s arguably having the best statistical season of his career. As he’s played in 31 of Chicago’s 36 games, he’s also as healthy as a horse, a marked difference from his 2023-24 campaign. It remains to be seen whether he’s leading the Bulls to the playoffs, as they’re currently 10th in the East. However, he’s definitely been central to his team having the fifth-highest scoring average (117.8 points per game) in the NBA.
Zach LaVine was PIVOTAL for the Bulls in their comeback victory at home!
🏀 35 PTS
🏀 10 REB
🏀 8 AST
🏀 3 3PM pic.twitter.com/SKkfwTK1EA— NBA (@NBA) January 7, 2025
What’s made this year particularly impressive for him though is the buy-in.
The potential of perimeter players like Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, and Josh Giddey does dictate the team’s direction and what LaVine’s role will be. Nonetheless, he didn’t have to accept it quietly. There are a number of stars who have chosen to cause a scene rather than heed their coach’s words. The natural frustration that comes from feeling ostracized could’ve spilled over into the locker room, poisoning the well.
Instead of doing that, he’s demonstrating his professionalism amid trade rumors involving him and the team’s older veterans, he’s gotten on board with an approach that caters to the team’s youth. This has helped him redeem his reputation off the court, not just get his revenge on it. That may not mean a team will relent and trade for him but it makes such a transaction more viable.
The Last Word On Zach LaVine
Right now, the concern isn’t about LaVine’s ability, mentality, or availability. It’s about whether a team can stomach paying him $95 million between 2025-26 and 2026-27. While he has a salary in line with that of a No. 1 option, he probably wouldn’t have that role following a trade.
With that being said, there are still a couple of teams that could make a move for the skilled and explosive sharpshooter. The Denver Nuggets may still be weighing their options but have been linked to him in trade talks. The Golden State Warriors are still searching for the right combination. Even the Portland Trail Blazers are a possibility, if they find themselves motivated by a promising guard’s recent comments.
