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The report indicates that getting the best deal for Zach LaVine is the Chicago Bulls' main organizational focal point
The writing has been on the wall for the Chicago Bulls for quite some time. However, it’s only now that the team’s front office has noticed it. And if the team’s chief basketball executive, Arturas Karnisovas, is to be believed, the Bulls’ faithful can expect some sort of movement soon.
If so, the first domino to fall may be All-Star guard Zach LaVine, as NBC Sports Chicago’s Bulls insider K.C. Johnson reports that trading the former is the “main organizational focal point for now.”
From rumors to reality?
LaVine’s name has been involved in trade rumors for as long as anyone can remember. Despite his All-Star caliber numbers, the Bulls’ inability to put together a squad that actually makes sense has doomed its recent campaigns. Now, with the squad sitting near the bottom of the East with a 5-14 record, Johnson says one win the team can hope to attain this season is how much they can get for LaVine.
“The only victories that matter are what returns any trade or trades executive vice president Arturas Karnisovas makes between now and the Feb. 8 trade deadline,” Johnson wrote.
However, the Bulls’ front office shouldn’t expect much, given LaVine’s early season struggles and recent foot injury that caused him to exit Chicago’s last game against the Boston Celtics where he finished with just two points on 1-of-9 shooting.
Other players may get moved
Johnson adds that the Bulls may finally be serious about tearing this roster down, as LaVine may not be the only player being made available. Back-up big man Andre Drummond may also be moved, but not before a transaction involving LaVine is completed.
“League sources said that, at least for now, Karnišovas is responding to inquiries on other players by saying he wants to see what the roster looks like post-LaVine trade first,” Johnson shared.
