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Report states there's an "increasing expectation" that Zach LaVine will stay put at the trade deadline
Things are not looking good on the trade front for the Chicago Bulls and Zach LaVine, as a report from Matt Moore of Action Network indicates that there aren’t many teams interested in acquiring the high-scoring but oft-injured wingman. This development might mean that the two-time All-Star could remain with the Bulls past the trade deadline on February 8.
Still no takers
Moore implied that the trade market for LaVine barely exists even though he’s averaging 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game this season. However, the high-flying guard has played in only 25 games this season due to a foot injury that sidelined him in December and, recently, a sprained ankle that would sideline him for anywhere between one to two weeks.
“Still no takers for Zach LaVine, and there's increasing expectation of him remaining in Chicago. Fair or not, LaVine is seen as a distressed asset on account of his play style, injury history, and, most importantly, (a) contract that takes him through 2026,” Moore wrote.
Could teams call about DeMar?
The Bulls may find some success trading veteran wingman DeMar DeRozan, who is playing in the final year of a three-year pact he signed in 2021. Already 34 years old, DeRozan remains one of the NBA’s most lethal scoring threats. He’s averaging 21.9 points and 5.3 assists this season.
DeRozan’s camp and the Bulls have been regarding a contract extension, leading Moore to write that NBA insiders wonder if DeRozan could be traded by the trade deadline.
“Some insiders do wonder if DeMar DeRozan, on an expiring contract, will have a new home by All-Star,” Moore said.
