NEWSLETTER
As the Chicago Bulls struggle immensely to find a trade partner for Zach LaVine, the pressure begins to build.
All indications are that Arturas Karnisovas and Co. have worked strenuously to find a suitor for their two-time All-Star. Alas, the market has only become quieter by the day. A recent report indicated that the Bulls have even tried to attach a first-round pick to stir up interest. Nothing. Another report told us that Golden State turned down an opportunity to turn Chris Paul’s expiring deal into the 29-year-old scorer. Instead, the Warriors decided to waive Paul.
While there is still time for a team to change their tune (it’s a long offseason), it’s been hard not to think about a world where the Bulls invite Zach LaVine back to the United Center. The two sides could work together to build up his stock. After all, the team’s new and young roster is more well-equipped to play to LaVine’s uptempo strengths.
The scenario surely doesn’t sound too crazy on paper, but I guess it would be in the minds of both LaVine and the Bulls. Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times has reported that the max player’s relationship with the organization is practically a lost cause:
“While there is a scenario in which LaVine is not moved and returns to the Bulls, he would do so to a locker room that would welcome him back, but a front office and ownership group that consider it the worst-case scenario.
An NBA insider told the Sun-Times on Tuesday that the relationship between LaVine and the team’s top brass is completely shattered and “filled with mistrust.”
Make sure to give Cowley’s full article a read here, where he discusses more on the Bulls’ offseason struggles.
The Zach LaVine Drama Continues
Major yikes! On the one hand, I guess these feelings from Zach LaVine make plenty of sense. The Bulls have been trying to trade him for over a year, acting like he’s the franchise’s biggest ailment (when really it’s the front office’s own incompetence). I’m sure it’s extremely discouraging to hear about your team begging on their hands and knees for someone to take you.
On the other hand, look at this organization’s resume over the last handful of years! LaVine hasn’t been a part of any winning, and the Bulls are coming off back-to-back embarrassing losing seasons. This is part of the business of basketball. Both sides may want this marriage to end, but LaVine signed a contract and the Bulls agreed to pay him that money. They’re stuck in this sinking ship together, and they might as well work together to keep it afloat until help arrives.
At this point, though, I can’t say I expect that to happen. Maybe Klutch starts pointing on some extra pressure. Maybe Zach LaVine chooses to sit out the start of the season. Maybe the Bulls really do attach draft capital to just wipe their hands clear. Whatever it is, this sure feels like it’s headed toward a pretty nasty breakup.
More on Zach LaVine’s current trade market …
