As the Chicago Bulls trying to stay in the play-in tournament, the front office is determined to trade a veteran they are currently missing.
According to KC Johnson from NBC Sports Chicago, the Bulls “will look to trade LaVine again this offseason.” The former two-time All-Star is currently recovering from foot surgery that is expected to take four to six months to rehabilitate.
LaVine will be difficult to move because he has $138 million remaining over the next three years on his contract. Before the operation, the teams were struggling to justify trading for LaVine since his contract made him a tough nut to crack. Additionally, recent changes to the collective bargaining agreement make it difficult for teams to justify excessively exceeding the luxury tax.
Since the market is already poor, it will be very difficult for any team to move on from LaVine if they choose to trade for him. It’s so poor that the Bulls may have to attach a positive asset to conclude an agreement. With that in mind, is there a market for LaVine?
To be completely honest, it’s extremely unlikely that the Bulls will be able to get rid of LaVine if the franchise doesn’t add a positive asset to the deal. The Lakers might be interested in a trade for LaVine, but they’ll likely wait until the rest of their prospects fail. The Sixers are another team that could end up going after LaVine.
Like the Lakers, the Sixers will most likely kick off if their free agent plans fall through this offseason.
The Pistons are a team that might not be able to wait. Detroit was interested in trading for LaVine and could find a way to take the guard if they choose to force their way into the playoffs.
Ultimately, the Bulls are likely done with LaVine and will continue to try to trade him this offseason.
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