The tumult between the Chicago Bulls and Zach LaVine continued over the weekend following an awkward post-game incident after Chicago’s win over the Miami Heat. Tensions continue to swirl amid ongoing trade rumors concerning the high-flying guard, meaning any sense of discontent is under a microscope.
The moment in question came just after the Bulls defeated the Heat 102-97 at home Saturday night. Despite the win, LaVine was seen pulling away from a member of Chicago’s public relations team, ignoring a request for a post-game interview with the team’s television partner and instead heading straight for the Bulls locker room. After the game, the Chicago Suns-Times’ Joe Crowley described the front office as “less than thrilled” about the exchange. LaVine did speak to the media that night and addressed the moment in his comments. He didn’t appear to read into things very much.
‘‘Just a miscommunication with the PR team,” LaVine said after the game. “We’re all fine.”
LaVine may have brushed off the incident, but the rest of the Bulls’ orbit may be less forgiving. Crowley said Chicago head coach Billy Donovan was “downright ticked” by LaVine’s actions.
The Bulls have sputtered out of the gate to begin the 2023-24 regular season, and other teams are also taking note of Chicago’s struggles. There is an expectation that trades could be on the horizon, and LaVine’s days in the Windy City may be numbered.
That said, it’s still early in the season. Winning can often help smooth over tension and discontent, and the Bulls could be a few victories away from moving on from the weekend’s miscommunication and discomfort.
