According to NBA insider James L. Edwards III of The Athletic, the Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls have discussed a Zach LaVine trade.
The Bulls are looking to move LaVine before the February 8 trade deadline.
“Similarly, the Bulls and Pistons have had conversations involving Zach LaVine, league sources say,” Edwards III wrote. “Chicago appears to be locked in on a package involving Bojan Bogdanovic and one of Detroit’s blue-chippers for LaVine and his hefty contract. Once again, the Pistons have shown no interest in parting with any of Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren or Ausar Thompson.”
LaVine is expected to miss at least two weeks with a right ankle sprain. He sprained his right ankle against the Toronto Raptors on January 18. The two-time All-Star has played in only 25 games this season due to injuries.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Detroit Pistons, Chicago Bulls Updates
LaVine is averaging 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.3 blocks this season while shooting 45.2% from the field, 34.9% from 3 and 85.4% from the free-throw line. He’s making $40.1 million.
LaVine signed a five-year, $215 million contract with the Bulls in July 2022. He will make $43 million next season and $45 million in 2025-26. Chicago has been looking to trade LaVine for the past few months, but the UCLA product doesn’t have a trade market due to his enormous contract and injury history.
LaVine has a plus-minus of -92 this season. The Bulls have played better without the Washington native in the lineup, which is why LaVine’s trade value is virtually non-existent.
The Pistons and Bulls are in the same division. It would certainly be strange to see the two teams make a trade.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Detroit Pistons, Chicago Bulls Updates
A two-time Slam Dunk Contest champion, LaVine has career averages of 20.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.3 blocks with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Bulls. His agent is Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group.
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