Zach LaVine is unfazed by all the trade talks: "It's just another day at the office for me"

Despite all the trade rumors surrounding him, LaVine remains cool and focused.

© Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

As the February 8 trade deadline nears, Zach LaVine’s name is slated to be involved in every trade rumor from Chicago to Los Angeles. But the 28-year-old shooting guard for the Chicago Bulls is taking it all in stride. In a talk with reporters before their game versus the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday, LaVine shared his thoughts on the constant trade chatter surrounding him.

Not minding it

Already in his 10th season in the NBA, the former UCLA Bruin is no stranger to trade rumors. Having already been traded by the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Bulls, he fully gets that it's an inevitable aspect of the business. This seasoned player embraces the understanding that such rumors come with the territory.

“I don’t think about (trades) at all. Unless I get a call from my agent, it’s just another day at the office for me. I’m glad to be out here playing. I’ve been in trade talks for a long time, obviously. I think this year was bigger than years prior. But at the end of the day, it’s nothing new,” LaVine said.

Reports of LaVine and the Bulls going their separate ways heightened when a report emerged last year detailing the team’s increased willingness to engage in trade talks for LaVine. It also didn’t help that the Bulls rose from the depths of the Eastern Conference standings when LaVine got sidelined because of a foot injury.

Focused on winning

Now back in the lineup after a 17-game absence, LaVine isn’t paying mind to the distractions regarding his future in the Windy City. The Bulls have gone 4-2 since his return, and good vibes abound in Chicago.

“We’re winning,” LaVine, who’s averaging 16.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.7 assists in the last four games, said. “There’s nothing better than that.”

Although his numbers are down, partly due to the Bulls’ shift in play style that emphasizes quick ball movement and fewer isos for LaVine, the two-time All-Star is fully invested in the team’s new direction.

“Just play it the right way. We’re in a good rhythm. Offensively, I didn’t have as much output scoring. But I feel like I impacted the game the right way, and we got the wins. I know who I am and what I can do on the court. So we’ll keep going with it.”

Zach with the burst 💨@NBCSChicago | @ZachLaVine pic.twitter.com/q8d79zYtOc

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 16, 2024

NBA insider says nothing has changed between the Chicago Bulls and Zach LaVine