‣ The Portland Trail Blazers are not interested in trade packages from the Chicago Bulls for Zach LaVine.
‣ The Bulls may be trying to include LaVine in a multi-team deal to enter the Damian Lillard trade sweepstakes.
#Bulls Trade: Zach LaVine & Patrick Williams#Blazers Trade: Damian Lillard
Who says no?
— Die-Hard Chicago Bulls Fans (@DieHardCBfans)
Details
The Portland Trail Blazers are shooting down any trade offers from the Chicago Bulls involving Zach LaVine, according to recent reports. While the Bulls were rumored to be interested in the Damian Lillard sweepstakes, it seems that Portland is holding out for more than just LaVine and first-round draft picks.
PHLY Sports’ Kyle Neubeck suggested that the Bulls may be looking to move LaVine as part of a multi-team deal to try and get into the Lillard trade discussions. However, the Trail Blazers have shown little interest in acquiring LaVine directly, as he doesn’t fit with their rebuilding path and their commitment to a young backcourt.
In terms of odds, NBA betting sites rank the Bulls at 22nd to win the championship in 2024, with better odds given to teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, Toronto Raptors, and Brooklyn Nets. Despite his impressive stats and skillset, LaVine may not be the missing piece that puts the Bulls in contention for a championship.
LaVine, who has spent the last six seasons with the Bulls, had a standout season last year, averaging 24.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. He signed a lucrative max contract extension with the Bulls last July, making it difficult for teams like the Trail Blazers and the New York Knicks, who have a history of favoring clients of Creative Artist Agency (CAA), to trade for him.
While the Bulls may be exploring a trade involving LaVine to try and acquire Lillard, it’s uncertain if Lillard would want to play in Chicago. Reports suggest that Lillard has a preference for the Miami Heat. Additionally, if the Bulls want a Lillard-LaVine-DeMar DeRozan trio, they would have to trade one of their current players, adding even more uncertainty to the situation.
Ultimately, the Trail Blazers hold all the cards in the trade discussions, and it remains to be seen if the Bulls will be able to put together a package that meets Portland’s demands.
