(670 The Score) Since November, the biggest question hovering over the Bulls is guard Zach LaVine's future.
It was then that LaVine and his representation made it known to the Bulls that he's ready for a change of scenery, and the team had already held trade discussions centered on him in past transaction windows. But as the weeks have gone by and the trade deadline looms on Feb. 8, there has been little movement on the LaVine trade market.
The Lakers were long rumored to have interest in LaVine, but talks between the teams haven't gained any traction, according to reports. Lately, the sole rumbling has come from Detroit, as the Pistons have expressed interest in LaVine, the Athletic reported. The problem for the Bulls is that the Pistons don't have any interest in parting with any of their four best young assets – guard Cade Cunningham, guard Jaden Ivey, forward Ausar Thompson or center Jalen Duren.
Further complicating matters is that LaVine is currently sidelined by a sprained right ankle and isn't expected to return to action before the trade deadline. The ankle injury came on the heels of a right foot injury that sidelined LaVine for 17 straight games from late November to early January.
LaVine's contract is also a turn-off for potential suitors, as he's owed about $138 million in the next three seasons, the last of which he holds a player option on. It all adds up to the Mully & Haugh Show members believing that LaVine probably won't be traded before the deadline.
"I don't see how they can trade him because of the injury and of course because of the contract – that's another issue," executive producer Dustin Rhoades said. "So what if you keep him around and you keep Coby (White) and basically you dump everybody else and you try to redo it from there? Maybe that's what you have to do."
Host David Haugh would rather the Bulls keep LaVine rather than trade him for a small return.
"I really don't hope he's traded," Haugh said. "I really understand they played well without him and I get all the people who are fed up with the fact that he's max LaVine … and he doesn't live up to the deal and he's disappointing and takes bad shots and plays isolation basketball.
"But I like Zach LaVine. I think he's been an underrated asset to the Chicago sports community for a very long time. Does he have to adjust the way he plays? Yeah. Is he worth all the money? Maybe not. But I kind of hope they keep him and find a way to make it all work.
"I hope he comes back and he's an asset."
LaVine is have a poor season, averaging 19.5 points on 45.2% shooting overall and 34.9% 3-point shooting.
