(670 The Score) Significant change could be coming soon for the woeful Bulls.
Star guard Zach LaVine and the Bulls are both increasingly open to a trade that would ship him out of Chicago, Shams Charania of the Athletic reported Tuesday afternoon. Opposing teams have been expressing interest in trading for the 28-year-old LaVine recently, Charania reported, and the Bulls appear to be more open than ever to moving him as they’re off to a rough 4-7 start.
There are few, if any, signs that a turnaround is coming for the Bulls, who are 21st in the NBA in net rating and who have a core of LaVine, forward DeMar DeRozan and center Nikola Vucevic that has been abysmal when on the floor together.
LaVine is in the second season of a five-year, $215-million contract. He’s off to a poor start this season, averaging 21.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists while shooting 40.9% overall and 30.9% from 3-point range. LaVine’s scoring average and his efficiency are well below his career averages. He's a two-time All-Star who has averaged at least 24.8 points per game across each of the past four seasons. LaVine is a 38.2% 3-point shooter on high volume for his NBA career.
LaVine has often landed in trade rumors in recent years, including when the Knicks expressed interest ahead of the trade deadline last February. He's in his 10th NBA season and seventh with the Bulls.