(670 The Score) The Bulls have reached out to other teams to gauge trade interest in star guard Zach LaVine, Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported Thursday.
To date, the Bulls have set a steep price for LaVine, Fischer reported. That makes it difficult to get a read on how serious the Bulls’ desire is to move him or if they’re simply doing due diligence. The Bulls’ asking price for LaVine is expected to be more than what the Wizards request for star guard Bradley Beal, who’s on the trade market as Washington appears set to embark on a rebuild. This isn't the first time that LaVine has landed in trade rumors in recent months. The Bulls and Knicks engaged in discussions centered on LaVine ahead of the trade deadline this past February, according to the Sun-Times and other reports.
LaVine has completed one season of a five-year, $215-million maximum contract. He’s set to make just shy of $40.1 million in the 2023-’24 season. LaVine is a two-time All-Star who averaged 24.8 points while shooting 48.5% overall and 37.5% from 3-point range last season.
LaVine had left knee surgery in May 2022, which contributed to a slow start to his season before his performance ascended to a high level. He played in 77 of Chicago’s 82 games. The Bulls went 40-42 before losing to the eventual Eastern Conference champion Heat in the play-in round.
The NBA Draft, which often brings a flurry of trade activity, will be held next Thursday. The Bulls don't own a pick in this draft. Negotiations in NBA free agency can begin on the evening of June 30.
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