NBA Trade Rumors: Bulls, Zach LaVine inching closer to trade possibility?

NBA Trade Rumors: According to a recent report, the Chicago Bulls and Zach LaVine may be inching closer to a potential trade.

At 4-7 through the first 11 games of the season, the Chicago Bulls are at a bit of a crossroads. They’re the definition of mediocrity in the Eastern Conference and must make some big decisions regarding some of their veteran stars. And at the forefront of their questions is Zach LaVine.

While there has been some recent reported hesitation on the Bulls’ part to trade LaVine, there could be some change of heart happening behind the scenes.

According to a recent report from The Athletic’s Shams Charania, there’s been increased openness from the Chicago Bulls and LaVine about exploring a trade. This could be a fancy of saying that this could very well be the first step in the Bulls shopping LaVine ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline.

And with how much the Bulls have struggled to start the season, this situation is not that surprising. If something doesn’t change quickly for the Bulls, it’s’ probably in the best interest of both the Bulls and LaVine to explore a trade. The next few weeks could be crucial for Chicago’s future.

At least for now, it’s looking more and more likely that LaVine could end up being one of the bigger names available ahead of the trade deadline.

Potential suitors that could arise for Zach LaVine

In the end, whether LaVine gets traded or not could come down to the market that is created. I’m sure the Bulls don’t want to flip LaVine just for the sake of doing so. If they do trade LaVine, they’re going to want a fair return.

In fairness, we don’t know what the asking price would be for LaVine or even to what extent a market could develop. However, I think it’s pretty safe to say that the starting point is probably going to be a couple of future first-round picks (at least) and perhaps a young player. That’s a pretty safe asking price at the moment.

When it comes to potential suitors, you have to throw in the usuals – the likes of the New
York Knicks, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Lakers, to name a few. The interesting part is if a dark horse young team emerges in the market. Perhaps an Oklahoma City Thunder or even a Houston Rockets.

Either way, it’s beginning to sound like both the Bulls and LaVine could be ready to part ways with each other. And if that is indeed the case, it could make for an interesting next couple of months ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline.