Zach LaVine has been receiving a lot of criticism over his performance these days. While he is known as an exceptional isolation guard with a knack for shooting the three-ball consistently, Zach hasn’t lived up to that level this season. Unfortunately, the Chicago Bulls have also taken a beating because of his inconsistencies. With the amount of talent on their roster, you would expect them to be an elite team. But this isn’t the case with the Bulls.
Chicago currently ranks 13th in the Eastern Conference with a record of 6-14. This is probably one of their worst starts to a season yet. And questions about their credibility are slowly arising. Several sources have revealed that the Bulls have a growing interest in trading LaVine. While there hasn’t been any sort of formal confirmation, most trades initiate with such rumors. The Bulls seem evidently frustrated and it isn’t going to work for them in the long run.
Zach LaVine signed a five-year $215 million contract last season which is valid until 2027. The shooting guard has four more years left to be exercised and this contract includes a $48 million player option. Unfortunately, LaVine is extremely injury-prone and lacks consistency. This season, he has been averaging 21 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. He has averaged much higher in the past which is why this is a complete letdown.
Zach LaVine gets a harsh reality check amidst trade rumors
While Zach LaVine finds his way through recovery, several experts around the league have been analyzing various outcomes of this potential trade. Insider Adrian Wojnarowski isn’t hopeful that LaVine and the Bulls will find a way out. He told Malika Andrews, “There is not a market for Zach LaVine right now in the NBA. And that’s not because Chicago has not tried to find it and is currently trying to find it. It’s a combination of a few reasons.”
“There is not a market for Zach LaVine right now… The question for teams is, ‘How much does Zach LaVine impact winning?’ … I think for both LaVine and the Bulls to get a trade, he needs to start playing well and impacting winning.”
– @wojespn 👀pic.twitter.com/1WkftaLKSJ
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 1, 2023
“LaVine’s contract, four more years at around a $45 or $46 million a year average. But his productivity, I think this is a player, who certainly is out now with a foot injury. He’s been in and out of the lineup,” Wojnarowski said. He highlighted that teams are going to evaluate how much they are willing to pay LaVine with his current condition. If he were to move to another team, he would most likely be a third option, said Wojnarowski.
He added, “And for the Bulls, they want to get some value in a trade. I think for both, LaVine and the Bulls to get a trade, he needs to start playing well.” This was quite a valid point given by the expert. Zach LaVine has to prove that he is worthy of being given over $45 million each year for four more seasons. As of now, this trade may not go anywhere even if the Los Angeles Lakers are interested. The risks involved are major.