NBA Trade Rumors: At least for now, the Chicago Bulls are not expected to explore moving Zach LaVine.
At 10-14, the Chicago Bulls are reaching a point in the season where they have to make some serious decisions regarding their future. At this current pace, they’re not even going to qualify for the Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament. With the way this roster has been constructed, that’s a problem.
The Bulls made the pivot to a win-now approach and while it got off to a great start last season, the wheels fell off in a major way during the second half of the year. The hope was that to start this season, Chicago would be able to recalibrate a bit. That simply hasn’t happened.
At least for now, it doesn’t seem that the Bulls are open to making a big, franchise-altering move at the NBA Trade Deadline. Per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Bulls are not in a place where they’d consider moving Zach LaVine at the trade deadline.
The Chicago Bulls have struggled with identity this season
Point blank, the Bulls have struggled mightily this season. There are many potential reasons for their struggles, but it’s hard to look at this team and not feel as if they’re in a need of a retooling. However, there’s no guarantee that one will take place anytime soon.
It would not be surprising if the Bulls waited out the Lonzo Ball situation, but it’s also not smart to miscalculate all the team’s struggles to the lack of health. Could it be a reason why Chicago has struggled this season? Absolutely, but at the same time it’s hard to look at this roster and expect them to keep pace with the talented rosters of Milwaukee and Boston.
Even then, I don’t think Ball’s absence is the only reason why the Bulls are sitting in 12th place in the East standings. There has to be more to their struggles.
The Bulls are a team that could fit the profile of one that decides to make a big move at the NBA Trade Deadline. At the same time, it’s far from a guarantee. Still, they’re a team that many around the league will be keeping a close eye on.
However, even if the Bulls decide that it is time to make a trade, I think it’s safe to say that LaVine won’t be moved. If he is, it would have to be for an offer that Chicago can’t refuse.