The Bulls and Lakers have had a rough start to the season, which could lead to trade talks revolving around Zach LaVine.
The LA Lakers are making a strong push to acquire Zach LaVine
As Chicago continues to languish in NBA limbo, LaVine’s agent, Rich Paul, may be laying the groundwork for his client’s eventual trade request, as reported by Sean Deveney of The Heavy. The majority of Klutch Sports’ top clients are Lakers players.
“LAVINE WANTS TO GO TO THE LAKERS, THAT HAS BEEN PRETTY CLEAR FOR A WHILE NOW,” AND EASTERN CONFERENCE EXECUTIVE TOLD DEVENEY. “THE AGENTS (FROM KLUTCH SPORTS) WANT HIM TO BE IN LOS ANGELES, HE IS A UCLA GUY AND THEY DID SOME RATTLING ABOUT HIS CONTRACT LAST OFFSEASON, TO KIND OF LAY THE GROUNDWORK IF THINGS BLEW UP. WHICH THEY SEEM TO BE DOING.” – THE HEAVY
“STILL, [LAVINE], TOO, COULD BE COVETED BY TEAMS LIKE THE LAKERS AND KNICKS SHOULD HE BE PROMINENTLY PLACED IN TRADE TALKS. LAVINE SIGNED A FIVE-YEAR, $215 MILLION MAX CONTRACT THIS OFFSEASON. THE BULLS LIKELY WOULD SEEK A PACKAGE OF YOUNG PLAYERS AND DRAFT PICKS IN RETURN.” – KC JOHNSON VIA NBC SPORTS CHICAGO
Zach LaVine to the Lakers Trade Package
The Bulls of Chicago would like to start fresh with a new roster if they trade LaVine to the Lakers. The Bulls will likely receive little in return from a trade with the Lakers in the short term, but any draft picks acquired in the process will pay off in the long run.
Arturas Karnisovas won’t be drooling to get his hands on a promising young player because the Lakers roster is full of veterans who are either past their prime or dealing with injuries, along with a cast of mediocre supporting cast members.
The Lakers’ draft pick is the maximum the Bulls can ask for at this time, and any additional significant contracts will likely be bought out immediately.
Zach LaVine to the Knicks Trade Package
Knicks Trade: Obi Toppin, RJ Barrett, three first-round picks
Bulls Trade: Zach LaVine
After a lengthy championship drought, the New York Knicks are desperate for a breakout star. They will make offers if a superstar like LaVine becomes available, as KC Johnson suggested.
The Knicks have done a fantastic job of building a stockpile of draft picks that they can trade away whenever a free agent superstar becomes available. The Bulls also have a few promising young players they could include in a trade to help nurture them through this transition.
And in the bright lights of Madison Square Garden, Zach LaVine would shine.
