An air of uncertainty is lingering in the Windy City, and it’s unclear what happens next with the Chicago Bulls. The club inked big man Nikola Vucevic to a new contract, but has otherwise remained relatively quiet this offseason. After finishing 40-42 during the ’23-24 regular season, will Chicago be content to run it back next year? And if not, what happens next?
If the Bulls are indeed looking to make a major pivot in the coming weeks or months, we could see All-Star Zach LaVine on the move. LaVine is heading into the second season of his five-year, $215 million contract. Moving on from LaVine would mark a huge inflection point for the Bulls.
Chatter around a potential LaVine trade isn’t new, but it also hasn’t subsided. According to NBC Sports Chicago’s K.C. Johnson, the Bulls could even be a part of some of the loudest trade rumors currently swirling in the NBA.
Reports indicate Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine has landed in trade talks with 76ers, Trail Blazers
Johnson reported the buzz around a potential LaVine trade doesn’t appear to be subsiding. In fact, a source reportedly told NBC Sports Chicago that the Bulls have had “preliminary conversations” with both the Philadelphia 76ers and the Portland Trail Blazers, with LaVine coming up in these talks. These teams are both looking to move on from James Harden and Damian Lillard, respectively.
Harden is on an expiring contract after opting into his player option earlier this summer. Swinging a trade for the former MVP might help the Bulls open up their finances in coming seasons. Lillard, meanwhile, is on a much lengthier and more lucrative deal but has led his club to multiple deep postseason runs.
Already Chicago has been pegged as a possible landing spot for Harden. And although Lillard hopes to be traded to Miami, anything could happen. Could the Bulls either serve as a facilitator or even a major player in a potential deal with one or both of these clubs?
