There has been speculation that the Sixers might have interest in Zach LaVine, but a source tells Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times that the Bulls have “no intention” of trading the two-time All-Star in the near future, and even if they change their mind, Chicago’s front office probably wouldn’t be interested in what Philadelphia has to offer.
LaVine, who is in the second year of a five-year, maximum-salary contract, recently said he’s not bothered to see his name pop up in rumors again. The Bulls are off to a 2-3 start and will face Brooklyn on Friday for their first in-season tournament game.
Here’s more from the Central:
- Patrick Williams was eligible for a rookie scale extension before the season began, but that deadline has passed and now he could be a restricted free agent next summer if the Bulls tender him a qualifying offer. The former No. 4 overall pick has had a very slow start to 2023/24, averaging just 4.0 PPG and 3.2 RPG on .267/.125/1.000 shooting through five games (22.4 MPG). Still, the 22-year-old tells Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic that his contract situation isn’t on his mind. “Nah. None at all,” he said. “Knowing it’s a long season. Knowing what I can do. I’ve always had confidence in myself, what I can do, what I bring to the game. Knowing it’s going to be stretches like this and times like this. It’s all about how you bounce back from it. It’s not a matter of what you go through but how you go through it. I kind of look at it as an opportunity to show what I’m really made of. Everybody can be happy when everything’s going well for them. But when it’s not, when it’s shaky, when you can’t make a shot, when you lose a couple of games in a row, then what are you really made of?“
- Pistons center James Wiseman, another player who could be a restricted free agent in 2024, made his season debut in Wednesday’s loss to Portland, notes Mike Curtis of The Detroit News (subscriber link). The 2020 No. 2 overall pick finished with four points and two rebounds in six minutes off the bench, committing four fouls in his limited run, including three in a two-minute span in the first quarter.
- Killian Hayes has once again struggled to score efficiently early in ’23/24, attempting 8.8 shots per game but only averaging 6.4 points (on .273/.235/.571 shooting), and James L. Edwards III of The Athletic believes it may be time for the Pistons to remove him from the starting lineup. As Edwards writes, Hayes got a starting guard spot after a strong preseason showing, but Detroit’s loss to Portland is the latest evidence that the team needs more offensive spacing. Alec Burks (once he returns from injury) and Jaden Ivey are logical choices to start, but Edwards wonders if rookie Marcus Sasser might be the best option for what head coach Monty Williams is seeking (shooting and defense).
Time to move on from Patrick Williams.
Defines being inconsistent.
He’s off to a slow start this season but in season’s prior he’s been very consistent. He’s consistently been a good shooter, he’s consistently been the Bulls best perimeter defender and he’s been consistently the fourth or 5th option because the Bulls have two of the most ball dominant wing scorers in the league with LaVine and DeRozan.
The kid’s never really had the chance to shine. Might be the best thing for him to move on to a team that will let him take shots.
I don’t see how anyone could give up on him though. He’s still young and he basically missed his second season due to the foot injury.
I disagree. Bulls should trade demar for (ideally) a 4 they can start and then start pat at the 3. More touches for Zach, vuc, and pat w better spacing. Also allows ayo more playing time
I love Demar, and what all he stands for as a man and as a player, but I happen to agree with this.
Either way, until they get a legit PG, they’re ceiling is mediocrity.
Agree. Williams can’t show what he can do. Williams is playing out of position and is the fourth option on offense. Plus every team needs athletic 3 and D players.
Wiseman needs minutes and touches in the G League.
Wiseman had both in Santa Cruz and was really good in the G league. It’s not translating.
Well the g league needs stars too…smdh
You don’t draft a guy top 3 to develop in a G league. He is Hasheem Thabeet.
Ever heard of stashing a guy?
Bring Ivey back in the starting lineup and make Sasser the backup point guard. Cade/Ivey with Burks/Sasser is a pretty good guard rotation.
You play Hayes, maybe get a pick for him
I thought Cade was the starting PG.
Hayes is another young talent. Who should have spent his first two yrs in G-league. 90% of 19yr olds. Are not ready for NBA mins. It’s called developing talent. While you let the body grow into manhood.
Same with Wiseman. He should sit down with Kareem. Before it’s too late. Warriors didn’t help Wiseman at all. He needs big man school.
Hayes should have never been drafted by Detroit. I threw a shoe at my TV when they passed on Tyrese Haliburton. Imagine a backcourt of Cade, and Tyrese. Hayes can’t shoot a lick.
Hayes can’t shoot. He is kind of a Frank Ntilikina or Kris Dunn type of player. But they are trying to get something for him, gotta showcase him.