This summer will be an important one for the Chicago Bulls, who are seemingly stuck in no man’s land. They missed out on the playoffs this past season, getting bounced in the Play-In Tournament, yet Arturas Karnisovas made it clear that he wants to run it back with the same core group.
However, while that was his initial message, recent reports indicate a potential change of heart in Chicago’s front office. According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Bulls have begun “contacting teams” around the league about potential Zach LaVine trades and are starting to gauge the interest levels of potential buyers.
Fischer believes that Chicago will ask for a package that could “exceed” that of what the Washington Wizards could receive in a Bradley Beal trade package.
“Wishful executives will keep their eyes peeled on Portland and Damian Lillard, but it’s the Chicago Bulls who have started contacting teams, quietly gauging the trade interest in Zach LaVine, league sources told Yahoo Sports,” Fischer wrote. “It remains to be seen just how willing Chicago is to part ways with LaVine, or if it receives a commensurate offer for his services. LaVine has four seasons remaining on his five-year, $215 million contract, and multiple teams have indicated the Bulls are holding a steep valuation for LaVine — one that’s likely to exceed what Washington can ultimately net for Beal.”
LaVine, who has four years left on his deal with a player option at the end, just inked a contract extension with the Bulls last summer.
At 28 years old, he is in the prime of his career and could be the perfect piece to help a team compete for a deep playoff run or, in the right situation, a title.
