5 way too early NBA trade deadline targets for fringe contenders

2) Zach LaVine

The Bulls have been trying to trade Zach LaVine for a while now to no avail. LaVine has two years left on his contract, with a $49 million player option in 2027 that he will likely opt in to. That’s three years and about $138 million left on his contract, for a player that has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career. LaVine is coming off a foot surgery as well, adding to the list of ankle, foot, and knee injuries he has sustained throughout his career.

When he is on the court though, LaVine is a productive offensive player. He can score at all three levels and thrives at getting to the basket, using his athleticism and speed to his advantage. LaVine has also improved as a playmaker during his time in Chicago, averaging about four per game. Availability is his main issue, not his play on the court.

Chicago is in the midst of a rebuild, signaled by their trades of Alex Caruso and DeMar DeRozan. LaVine is expected to start the season with the Bulls and if he plays well and rebuilds his trade value, it is tough to see the Bulls hang on to him and his massive contract during their first season of the rebuild.