Nov 6, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (8) reacts after scoring against the Utah Jazz during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Tuesday seemed to be an important development for the Chicago Bulls and the remainder of the 2023-2024 season.
Yes, the Bulls are only 11 games into the season so while it may be premature to have some grand realization without a month’s worth of games being played, it’s not in the case of the Bulls.
The reason is this season’s version of the Bulls is the same version that has disappointed since the injury to Lonzo Ball in January of 2022.
It was clear that the last thing the Bulls needed to do this season was bring back a core that included Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vucevic but that is exactly what the team did and now the end is in sight.
The news came on Tuesday that the Bulls and LaVine are exploring trade possibilities. With those developments, it would seem the Bulls and LaVine are finally ready to admit that they don’t want to be associated with one another.
It would seem that there is no turning back now with not only national confirmation but local confirmation that the Bulls are preparing for life without LaVine.
Trade suitors for LaVine are beginning to line up.
These are all teams that have registered interest in LaVine previously.
The Lakers were believed to be interested in LaVine before he signed a maximum contract extension with the Bulls last year.
Meanwhile, the Heat have been mentioned on the periphery in terms of a team that may have an interest in LaVine. The Heat have long had the intention of pairing Jimmy Butler with another superstar and LaVine would certainly fit that category.
Ditto for the Philadelphia 76ers and Joel Embid as they look to add a star to extend their current contention window. Reports in October had the 76ers already keeping tabs on LaVine.
Trading LaVine is the right first step for the Bulls but this can’t be the only move. Once the NBA Trade Deadline passes in February, DeRozan and Alex Caruso should not be on this roster either.
