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Report reveals the Detroit Pistons were interested in acquiring Zach LaVine, but the Chicago Bulls' asking price was too much
There has been some development in the Chicago Bulls’ quest to unload All-Star guard Zach LaVine onto another team. However, the news is unfavorable as Chicago reportedly had conversations with the Detroit Pistons regarding a possible trade but couldn’t agree. The Bulls were adamant about getting one of the Pistons’ young stars in exchange for LaVine, and Detroit wasn’t willing to part ways with any of them.
The package included veteran forward
According to a report by James L. Edwards III of The Athletic, the Bulls could let LaVine go to the Pistons if they received Bogdanovic and one of Detroit’s up-and-coming stars.
“The Chicago Bulls and Pistons have had conversations involving Zach LaVine, league sources say. Chicago appears to be locked in on a package involving Bojan Bogdanović and one of Detroit’s blue-chippers for LaVine and his hefty contract,” Edwards wrote.
The Pistons' front office did not hesitate to shoot that proposal down. However, Edwards shared that Detroit isn’t shutting their door on the Bulls if they ever decide to lower their price for LaVine down.
“Once again, the Pistons have shown no interest in parting with any of Cunningham, Ivey, Duren or Thompson. It is possible Detroit considers adding LaVine when/if the Bulls’ asking price goes down. However, those are discussions that have been happening and will continue to happen internally.”
A distressed asset
With the trade deadline only a few weeks away, it appears more likely that LaVine isn’t going anywhere this season. The market was already sparse for the high-leaping two-guard, but now that he’s back on the shelf due to a sprained ankle, the Bulls could have more trouble finding a suitable trade partner.
“To call LaVine a distressed asset would probably be an understatement because this season has presented the worst-case scenario in terms of building any sort of market,” Bleacher Report’s Joseph Zucker wrote.
“The 6'5" guard's scoring (19.5 points) and shooting (45.2 percent overall and 34.9 percent on threes) are down from last year. He has missed 20 games, amplifying longstanding concerns about his durability. And the Bulls haven't suffered much without him in the lineup, also pointing to another question as to his ability to meaningfully help a team win.”
