The Chicago Bulls remain persistent in their efforts to trade star guard Zach LaVine, but finding a feasible deal this season is proving to be a daunting challenge.
As reported by Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, a league source described a trade involving LaVine as “more pipedream than reality.”
To materialize a deal, the market would require a dramatic shift, such as a significant injury to a key player on a contending team or other unexpected developments that increase demand for a high-scoring guard like LaVine.
LaVine’s contract is one of the biggest roadblocks to any potential trade. After signing a five-year, $215 million max extension with Chicago in 2022, LaVine is still owed close to $140 million over the next three seasons.
Furthermore, he holds a $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season, which he is almost certain to exercise given the current evaluation of his worth around the league.
Under the terms of the previous collective bargaining agreement, such a contract would have already been challenging to move.
However, the updated CBA has introduced even stricter financial restrictions, further complicating the possibility of trading players with long-term, high-value deals like LaVine’s.
LaVine remains a productive player on the court despite the Bulls’ underwhelming season. Over 23 games, he is averaging 21.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while playing 33.4 minutes per game.
While his scoring and playmaking abilities would undoubtedly benefit several teams, the combination of his contract and the state of the trade market makes it exceedingly difficult for Chicago to find a suitable destination.
For now, the Bulls appear stuck in limbo, as they are unwilling to give the player away without receiving meaningful assets in return, yet find themselves limited by the financial realities and timing of the trade landscape.
Unless a significant shake-up occurs, Chicago may be forced to carry LaVine through the remainder of the season, leaving his future with the franchise uncertain as they navigate the complexities of roster-building under the new CBA framework.
Bulls Trading Zach LaVine This Season 'More Pipedream Than Reality' https://t.co/WUokD6uZ9W
— RealGM (@RealGM) December 16, 2024
