The Bulls have been active in trade discussions heading into the 2024 NBA draft and free agency, reports K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago. In addition to exploring moving up and down from the 11th pick, Chicago has also discussed players already on the roster as well.
Sources tell Johnson that head of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas has “floated as many as 15” trade proposals involving Zach LaVine. The Kings, Jazz, Magic and Sixers are among the teams Chicago has called about LaVine, according to Johnson.
As Johnson observes, the Bulls will almost certainly need to trim salary to avoid the luxury tax in 2024/25 if they intend to re-sign DeMar DeRozan and Patrick Williams. DeRozan, who is extension-eligible through June 30, will be an unrestricted free agent, while Williams is restricted.
Johnson reported earlier this month that Chicago’s asking price for LaVine has significantly dropped compared to last year, when they were seeking real assets in return for the 29-year-old. It seems the Bulls are now more focused on finding a way to shed LaVine’s pricey salary — he’s owed $138MM over the next three seasons, including a $49MM player option in 2026/27.
A two-time All-Star, LaVine was limited to just 25 games this past season due to a nagging foot injury, which eventually required season-ending surgery.
To this point, the Bulls have been focused on offering DeRozan short-term deals, Johnson writes. While there’s been “widespread speculation” that the Thunder, Pistons and Hornets may put out offer sheets for Williams, Johnson hears the Bulls are comfortable with their position since they have the right to match any contract the former No. 4 overall pick might receive.
Johnson also mentions Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso as names to watch on the trade market. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski just reported that Caruso is being sent to Oklahoma City for Josh Giddey.
As for the lottery pick, Johnson cites Providence’s Devin Carter, Kentucky’s Rob Dillingham, G League Ignite’s Ron Holland and Duke’s Kyle Filipowski as potential targets, though the Bulls have gotten a close look at a “wide range of prospects.”
76ers won’t be a Lavine contract taker until July 20
You can’t have 2 damaged goods in one team
Maxey has a mostly healthy year. LaVine is not in Phillys plans. Try another ridiculous scenario.
Chicago Bulls should trade Lonzo Ball. They also need to try and trade Nikola Vucevic. They also need to do a sign and trade with DeMar DeRozan. It’s time to blow this roster up and embrace the rebuild.
Giddey for Caruso just happened according to Woj. Thunder need a centre now, chet can definitely play the four.
Why on earth would the Jazz want him?
Because the Jazz are going for a long re-build. Ainge could get him for cheap, and if Lavine plays well and shows that he’s capable of being healthy then Ainge could flip him another year or 2 from now for more picks. I expect Markannen to be traded before next seasons trade deadline too, he’s a good player but not a franchise cornerstone like Ainge wants to find to build around. Markannen is more of a supporting “star”.
If Lavine can’t stay healthy then it’s no biggie since he won’t cost much anyway (Bulls desperately wants to get off his contract). Either way he will be the new tank commander in Utah. Lavine will always be a guy who averages 20+ points on a bad team
Now with Giddey in place. I’m going for fences here. Draft Ware. He can backup Vucevic for a yr. Go big
Imo best place for LaVine is Detroit. He can rebuild his career there. Vet leadership and scoring. He changes Pistons right away.
Ivey, Wiseman, #5 pick
With the 5th pick ……….
The Bulls select —- Knecht
Pistons wouldn’t do Ivey for LaVine straight one-for-one. If LaVine goes anywhere at all HE will have draft compensation attached to him.
Depends on to who, if it’s the lakers they have to attach 2 first rd picks naturally
Wiseman is a FA..
Ivey and the #5 pick for ZACH LAVINE lmao
Al, honest question, are you a drunk?
Zach LaVine will get traded to a team like the Sacramento Kings, Utah Jazz, or Detroit Pistons.
The Chicago Bulls not going to attach no picks to him. They just going to use him as a straight salary dumb.
“Dumb” would be right. That’s a lot of salary to absorb for 3 years! Add his injury history and you’re basically taking a huge gamble.
That being said, he would be nice to have on the Jazz. I’m just not sure he’s what they need. The Jazz need more defense and passing.