The Chicago Bulls are likely on their way to another down season—an all too familiar reality for the once-great and esteemed franchise. Amidst the Bulls mediocre status of late, their 2x All-Star, Zach LaVine, continues to be the likeliest player to be traded away. Yet, the complications surrounding him are at the same time keeping him in Chicago. What is the reason for LaVine’s remaining presence with the Bulls? Senior NBA writer Brian Windhorst broke down the details on his Hoops Collective Podcast this week.
Bulls All-Star Remains in Stagnant Trade Limbo
Chicago Bulls All-Star Zach LaVine Trade Complications Due to Contract, Per NBA Insider
It’s no secret that Chicago wants to, and has made efforts to, trade LaVine for a couple of years now. The former Minnesota Timberwolves draft pick has been on the trade block constantly in that time to no avail. Even now, inthe current NBA season, Chicago continues to figure out a way to move him. LaVine, on the other hand, recently publicly stated that he is committed to helping the Bulls succeed this season. Well, that isn’t exactly happening, as the team is 10-15 and 10th in the East.
According to Windhorst, Chicago’s inability to trade its star is more related to LaVine’s massive contract than anything else.
“He’s having an excellent year. We know he’s been on the trade block for a year now, at least,” Windhorst said on Monday’s episode of The Hoop Collective Podcast. “Yet, I hear nothing about LaVine on the trade market. I don’t think it’s because the Bulls aren’t interested in trading him. Despite playing this well…I’m just saying Zach LaVine is playing well enough to be traded and if this was two years ago, not just with his contract but I think he would have a good chance to be traded. We’ll see, we have two months left.”
No Interest Despite A Great Season Says A Lot
Windhorst is right; LaVine is putting forth a solid season. He’s averaging 22.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists in 33 minutes per game. He’s also shooting well from the field (50.6%) and the three-point line (43.2%). Those are solid numbers, but the more positive factor here is that LaVine is healthy. He has laced up in 22 of Chicago’s 25 contests. LaVine’s crux in recent years has been his health and inability to stay on the floor. This season appears different, which must be good for him for trade considerations. Still, a barren trade landscape exists, and from Windhorst’s perspective, it comes down to LaVine’s contract.
The Bulls owe LaVine $43 million this year, $46 million next year, and $49 million in 2026-27 (with a player option). In conjunction with LaVine’s injury history, you have to imagine that those dollars are scaring teams off. He’s healthy and playing now, but that’s no guarantee for down the road or over the next few seasons. So, while his stats right now are very good, it doesn’t seem enough to sway a team to take on his contract and risk it. Of course, this is the NBA and crazier trades that don’t make sense happen often. Some GM will eventually bite the bullet and make the move for LaVine, which will likely happen this season. As for LaVine, a change of cities could benefit him. His time in Chicago has been up for a little while now, and everyone knows it.
