Key Takeaways
– The Chicago Bulls and Zach LaVine are “motivated” to complete a trade this offseason.
– The asking price for LaVine has purportedly dropped significantly from previous seasons.
– Despite disquieting circumstances, both the Bulls and LaVine have remained professional.
– Bulls executive VP, Arturas Karnisovas, plays down any discord between the Bulls and LaVine.
– Trading LaVine this offseason would reportedly ease financial difficulties for the Chicago Bulls.
Trading LaVine: An On-going Saga
The desired trade of the two-time All-Star, Zach LaVine, by the Chicago Bulls has been a topic of discussion for the last two seasons. However, the trade discussions have been unsuccessful thus far, primarily due to LaVine’s hefty contract and frequent injury history. Recent reports suggest that the Bulls are more determined now than ever to find LaVine a new home. According to NBC Sports Chicago’s K.C. Johnson, both parties are open to more trading opportunities than before. Johnson believes that the Bulls’ asking price for LaVine has significantly decreased.
Searching for the Right Deal
The Chicago Bull adopts a no-nonsense attitude when trading its important players. The team won’t consider a bad deal just to unload LaVine. According to Johnson, the Bulls formerly insisted upon an All-Star level talent, first-round picks, or even both for LaVine’s trade. However, the current market scenario appears to be a significant factor in easing up the former trade expectations. This change comes amidst the talks of an underlying desire for change felt by both the Bulls and LaVine.
Uneasy Relations Dismissed by Karnisovas
There have been rumors about a deteriorating relationship between LaVine and the Bulls’ higher-ups. Contradicting these rumors, Bulls’ executive VP of basketball operations, Arturas Karnisovas, stated that his relationship with LaVine and his representative, Rich Paul, remains pleasant. LaVine, on signing a franchise record-breaking $215.1 million contract for five years, was always about team success and winning, according to Karnisovas.
LaVine’s Performance and Trade Talks
The Bulls’ performance in recent seasons discredits Karnisovas’s claim of the team being better off with LaVine. The latest stats reveal that the Bulls marked 10 wins and 15 losses with LaVine but went 29-28 when playing without him. Statistics from Cleaning The Glass also affirm that LaVine negatively impacted the Bulls’ play in three of the past seven seasons.
While LaVine managed to maintain positivity in challenging times, he has been upfront about his view on constant trade talks. He expressed his understanding of the business nature of the NBA; however, he conveyed his displeasure over his name being constantly associated with trade talks.
Zach LaVine’s Future Looms Large over Bulls’ Offseason
LaVine announced that he is making good progress post his foot surgery and expects to be game-ready ahead of schedule. Given his substantial contract, the Bulls would find it easier financially to expedite LaVine’s trade this offseason. While an original hefty asking price posed a significant roadblock to possible trades, a lighter trading market could become viable upon LaVine proving his fitness. The Bulls could also contemplate adding some extra assets in a trade deal, marking this offseason as intriguing and filled with alternate possibilities.