Is Zach LaVine Interested in New York Knicks Trade?
The idea of Zach LaVine being traded to the New York Knicks appears to be a load of bull.
A report from Stefan Bondy of the New York Post states that LaVine, whose days with the Chicago Bulls could be numbered, has not softened his stance on the Knicks as he and his current employers inch closer toward separation. With Chicago (4-8) off to an ugly start, LaVine was the latest star hypothetically placed on the Knicks, who have continued to seek out an established superstar to work with their current group, which is looking to build upon the franchise's most successful season in a decade.
But if/when LaVine is traded, it appears he won't be asking for a flight to New York.
"A source reiterated to The Post this week that LaVine’s camp would prefer not to go to (Knicks president) Leon Rose’s squad," Bondy's report declares.
RJ Barrett (R) defends Zach LaVine during a showdown between New York and Chicago last season
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The Knicks reportedly lingered in the LaVine conversation earlier this summer but the 28-year-old was said to have reservations about playing under Leon Rose, the former face of Creative Artists Agency. LaVine is a client of rival agency Klutch Sports Group, run and founded by Rich Paul. Klutch clientele also includes De'Aaron Fox, Draymond Green, and Paul's longtime friend LeBron James.
Some have proposed that the Knicks send homegrown franchise face RJ Barrett to the Bulls in exchange for LaVine, but Bondy's latest says that New York management "(wasn't) keen on that swap." Despite dealing with knee soreness and migraines, Barrett is off to a career-best start, averaging 22.6 points and 3.1 assists over seven appearances thus far.
LaVine is in the midst of his 10th NBA season and seventh with Chicago. He's currently in the second season of a five-year, fully guaranteed $215 million contract bestowed in July 2022 which ends on a $48.9 million player option in 2026-27.
The Knicks will certainly have to make some sort of move if they want to truly be considered one of the Eastern Conference's elite. But with a crowded backcourt picture, Barrett's breakout, and an inflated financial responsibility, LaVine doesn't appear to be that long-sought superstar.
Time will tell if LaVine is still stationed in Chicago when the Knicks and Bulls do battle for the first time on Jan. 3. In the meantime, the Knicks (6-5) will play the middle part of a five-game road trip on Friday night in Washington (7 p.m. ET, MSG).
