New Update on Potential Zach LaVine to Denver Nuggets Trade

The Denver Nuggets reportedly have trade interest in Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine.

Joey Linn | Dec 21, 2024

Oct 12, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (8) goes up for a dunk against the Denver Nuggets during the first half at United Center. / David Banks-Imagn Images

In this story:

While the NBA trade deadline is not until February, there are already several rumors about what could take place between now and then. The Chicago Bulls are heavily involved in many of these rumors, as veteran stars like Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic could be trade targets for contending teams.

In a recent report, Sam Amick and Tony Jones of The Athletic revealed the Denver Nuggets are a team interested in LaVine.

Via Amick and Jones: “League sources say the focus on LaVine in recent discussions is significant, with the Nuggets interested in the 29-year-old who is averaging 21.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists this season. LaVine, a two-time All-Star, is owed $43 million this season, $45.9 million next season and has a player option worth $48.9 million for the 2026-27 campaign.”

Dec 19, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (8) reacts after his three point basket against the Boston Celtics late in the second half at TD Garden. / David Butler II-Imagn Images

This report received an update on Friday night when K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports News reported that Chicago is not interested in taking back the contract of Zeke Nnaji in a potential LaVine deal.

Via Johnson: “Said this on @CHSN__ pregame show last night but, at least as of now, Bulls have shown no interest in taking Zeke Nnaji contract in any talks surrounding Zach LaVine.”

Said this on @CHSN__ pregame show last night but, at least as of now, Bulls have shown no interest in taking Zeke Nnaji contract in any talks surrounding Zach LaVine.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) December 21, 2024

This makes sense, because Nnaji’s four-year, $32 million deal would be counterproductive to Chicago’s goal of shedding unwanted salary and creating future flexibility for their rebuild effort.

NBA Fans React to New Chicago Bulls Trade Report

Anthony Edwards Makes NBA History in Timberwolves-Bulls

14-Year NBA Veteran, Ex-Bulls Player Announces Retirement

Published Dec 21, 2024

JOEY LINN

Title: Credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation Email: joeylinn52@gmail.com Education: Communication Studies degree from Biola University Location: Los Angeles, California Expertise: NBA analysis and reporting Experience: Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams during his time in school. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts, combined with his excellence in the classroom, earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time across multiple platforms, primarily serving as a credentialed Clippers beat writer.

Related Articles