The NBA offseason is still young but the Chicago Bulls have already been active, as they appear ready to clear the decks for a rebuild. They already shipped out Alex Caruso for Josh Giddey, drafted Matas Buzelis 11th overall, and re-signed Patrick Williams, but there is still a big question mark surrounding their veterans, including DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic, Lonzo Ball, and Zach LaVine. LaVine, who missed most of last season with a knee injury, has an ugly contract that they appear desperate to move.
The Bulls are so desperate to get off of LaVine's contract that ESPN's Bobby Marks reports that they are willing to attach a first-round pick to offload his deal. If that is the case, then it might be worth it to a contending team that is hesitant to take on LaVine given his contract and injury history.
Will the Chicago Bulls be able to trade Zach LaVine this summer?
The Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings, and Detroit Pistons, who were rumored to have interest in him ahead of the trade deadline, might be possible trade candidates. Especially if they are able to include long-term salary in addition to receiving a pick.
The Bulls' apparent goal appears to be to hit the reset button on their franchise, which coincides with the 2024–25 season. That is the first season that they owe the San Antonio Spurs a protected first-round pick. The Spurs own the rights to the Bulls pick from 2025 to 2027, with it being top-10 protected in 2025 and top-8 protected in 2026 and 2027.
Chicago moving their best players is likely to ensure that they keep that pick from conveying over the next three years. It also improves their chances of landing the number one pick in 2025 so that they can draft Cooper Flagg, who is seen as the next big thing. Therefore, the Bulls have increased incentive to try and move on from their best player and another team could benefit if they are willing to take a chance on LaVine.