Knicks, Others Keeping Close Eye on Bulls’ Zach LaVine

Multiple teams, including the Knicks, are keeping a watchful eye on the situation involving Bulls guard Zach LaVine in the event he may become available, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.

It was recently reported that LaVine and the Bulls are experiencing a bit of a disconnect, as we relayed here.

While there’s no indication LaVine will be moved after signing a five-year max extension this past offseason, some rivals suspect the Bulls could become “sellers” ahead of the trade deadline, given their rocky start.

“Several NBA teams, including the New York Knicks, are monitoring whether LaVine will become available on the trade market after Chicago’s underwhelming start to the season at 12-18, Lonzo Ball’s return from injury in question, and Nikola Vucevic’s looming free agency,” Scotto wrote.

Meanwhile, the Knicks aren’t looking to make a major move at the moment, which makes sense since they’ve won eight straight entering Wednesday’s home game vs. the Raptors. But LaVine appears to at least be on their radar.

Lavine, 27, is averaging 21.7 points in 26 appearances — his lowest scoring average since the 2017-18 season, Theoretically, that’s not such a bad thing, as it’s an indication more of his teammates are stepping up in that area.

Still, LaVine’s defense has reportedly been called into question, perhaps leading to the supposed uneasiness that exists between him and the Bulls.