Report says Chicago Bulls unlikely to trade Zach LaVine

The latest reports say the Chicago Bulls are unlikely to trade Zach LaVine, despite interest from other teams.

The NBA's trade season is in full swing, and one name that has floated around prominently in trade chatter is Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls. However, a recent report from ESPN insider Brian Windhorst suggests that pending an irresistible "godfather offer," the Bulls are unlikely to move the All-Star guard by the trade deadline on February 9.

Not giving LaVine up easily

LaVine trade rumors this season are hardly surprising, considering he has been one of the Bulls' most productive players since joining the team in 2017. Over his six years with Chicago, LaVine has averaged 24.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game while shooting 46% from the field and 38% from beyond the arc.

"I don't think the Bulls are trading LaVine, and if they do, I'll have egg on my face," Windhorst said on the Hoop Collective podcast.

Level Up 😎@ZachLaVine | @NBCSChicago pic.twitter.com/7q2S74My3c

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 7, 2023

LaVine is by no means untouchable, said Windhorst, but the package the Bulls would be looking for in exchange would have to be something they can't refuse.

"I mean, there's some package they will trade him for. I don't think the Bulls will surrender."

Lots of suitors

Last week, Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer reported that several teams were interested in snagging the 27-year-old high-flyer. These were the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Miami Heat, and Dallas Mavericks. However, it remains to be seen whether the Bulls are inclined to trade LaVine, who is in the first year of a five-year $215 million contract. In addition, the Bulls' brass is keen on continuity, which means they want to see what this core—with a healthy Lonzo Ball—is capable of.