NBA teams are probing the availability of two-time All-Star guard Zach LaVine and there’s been increased openness from the organization and player about exploring a trade, league sources said. Here’s what you need to know:
- Many of the NBA’s 30 general managers are in Chicago on Tuesday for the annual Champions Classic, the major opening night of the college basketball season, and this is where conversations could begin.
- LaVine, who’s in his seventh season in Chicago, is averaging 21.9 points, 3.0 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game.
- The 6-foot-5 guard has started all 11 games for the Bulls so far this season.
- Chicago fell to 4-7 after a 118-109 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday and will host the Orlando Magic on Wednesday.
Backstory
After Chicago’s 124-104 season-opening loss to Oklahoma City, players, led by veteran Nikola Vučević, expressed frustration with the Bulls’ offense, which they felt was similar to last season’s after being under the impression things would be different, league sources said.
Off the court, league sources said Chicago, which is largely running things back with its core from last season, would like to bring back DeMar DeRozan, who is on an expiring deal. But his future in Chicago is uncertain as well. The Bulls and DeRozan have discussed an extension, but the sides remain apart on years and salary, and the 34-year-old DeRozan wants to see where the team goes before committing to a return.
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(Photo: Kamil Krzaczynski / USA Today)
