After he repeatedly stated his desire to play for the Chicago Bulls, The Stein Line insider Jake Fischer reports that All-Star Zach LaVine shooting guard “would prefer to remain in Chicago beyond the Feb. 6 deadline.” Fischer acknowledges that LaVine’s desire won’t prevent him from being traded if the Bulls find an offer they like beforehand. Nonetheless, it’s a fascinating development.
Zach LaVine’s Preference Revealed Amid Bulls’ Trade Speculation
There was a time when LaVine might have been itching to get traded.
Unlike Damian Lillard or Bradley Beal, it wasn’t about wanting to play for a title-contender. Unlike Jimmy Butler, he hasn’t had a falling out with the front office. However, between his tense relationship with Bulls head coach Billy Donovan and the growing sense that the Chicago Bulls didn’t want him, he seemed resigned to the possibility that his time in the Windy City had run its course.
In fact, after being linked to the Los Angeles Lakers, he’d routinely wear fitted hats with “LA” sown-in.
“It sucks when things aren’t going your way. But you gotta figure out how to get over it.” pic.twitter.com/b20DGyOX7u
— Bulls on CHSN (@CHSN_Bulls) November 16, 2023
Similar to Butler dying his hair to orange amid reports that he wants to be traded to the Phoenix Suns, it appeared to be his way of acknowledging those rumors. For all anyone knows, it could all have been a coincidence. After all, LaVine played for UCLA as a one-and-done. Nonetheless, the timing of those seemingly cryptic messages breathed life into the speculation.
Jimmy Butler new orange hair look giving life to Phoenix Suns reportedly a team to watch as a possible trade destination for the Miami Heat star.
Photos posted on his IG account.
Thoughts? #Suns pic.twitter.com/NMhahqzguM
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) December 12, 2024
With that in mind, LaVine has routinely stated his desire to play for the Bulls. Now that he’s become a better leader and more of a team player, Donovan has been effusive in his praise. The problem is that it may be too little, too late. After trading away DeMar DeRozan in the offseason, the feeling was that Bulls executive vice president Arturas Karnisovas had committed to a youth movement.
In fact, their inability to trade LaVine after moving DeRozan was considered Chicago’s “worst-case scenario.”
He Might Not Be Going Anywhere, Anyways
There are two factors that could contribute to the Bulls deciding to hold onto LaVine.
The first –a lack of an acceptable trade offer –has already been mentioned. That being said, LaVine’s gotten a lot of bad press over the years. With his contract, durability and ability to contribute in areas outside of scoring in question, teams are understandably hesitant to make a trade for him. That’s even with the 29-year-old currently having one of his best seasons.
Another issue for the Bulls is that they’ve likely missed their window to tank. At 19-26, they’re currently projected to land the ninth pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. They’re 7.0 games behind the Toronto Raptors and New Orleans Pelicans, who could land the third pick in the upcoming draft. As both the Raptors and Pelicans are playing better as of late, Chicago could move up in the standings.
Yet, they’re unlikely to have a worse record than the Washington Wizards (6-27), who are on a 12-game losing streak and projected to land the No. 1 pick. The Utah Jazz (10-32) –on a four-game losing streak –are right behind them thanks to injuries, coaching, and Lauri Markannen‘s regression. After their second-best player was ruled out for the season, the Charlotte Hornets are expected to slide. Jordi Fernandez is making it difficult but the Brooklyn Nets are openly tanking and have now lost five straight.
Trading LaVine could get them in consideration for a top-five spot but it’s a gamble. One that may make them a lot less talented, ultimately giving them a longer pathway to playoff contention.
