Following DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso’s departure in the summer, the Chicago Bulls were expected to trade two-time All-Star guard Zach LaVine. However, the franchise changed course ahead of the 2024-25 season and is reportedly mending its relationship with the 29-year-old guard, causing a social media stir.
LaVine joined the Bulls from the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2017 and was featured in the 2022 NBA playoffs. In the last two seasons, Chicago failed to qualify for the playoffs, losing out in the play-in games. Due to his injury last season, LaVine played just 25 games, averaging 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists.
Following DeMar DeRozan’s free agency trade to the Sacramento Kings and replacing Alex Caruso with Josh Giddey from the Oklahoma City Thunder, LaVine remains the biggest name in the Bulls roster. However, a report from The Athletic suggested that the franchise is repairing the bond with LaVine, and the fans on social media have mixed reactions.
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Why The Chicago Bulls Couldn’t Trade Zach LaVine?
Ahead of the 2024-25 season, the Chicago Bulls have made notable roster changes. The Bulls were looking to trade LaVine alongside DeRozan and Caruso to nab the top pick in the 2025 draft. However, recent reports claim that the Bulls and LaVine are mending their relationship
According to Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic, “LaVine has vowed not to overstep or stunt the development of younger players.” Many believed his massive contract was why the Bulls could not trade him. The 29-year-old has three years remaining on his five-year, $215 million contract, making it difficult for the Bulls to negotiate with other teams.
LaVine averaged 24.8 points in 77 games in the 2022-23 season with 4.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. Despite starting the season on a high, scoring his career-high 51 points on October 28, 2023, LaVine’s injury in February ended his season. The Bulls guard must perform well in the upcoming season to get traded before the deadline.
