The Bulls wanted to trade Zach LaVine at the deadline in February, but he was injured and there were no takers.
Now, they want to trade him this offseason — but LaVine is still injured. More specifically, LaVine underwent foot surgery in February and was expected to be sidelined for four to six months.
On the bright side for LaVine, and the Bulls, he is “well ahead” of schedule, according to K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago.
No matter, the Bulls are again aiming to move him quickly, per Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times.
“A team source reiterated that trading the two-time All-Star remains priority one, two, and three this summer, with the hope to not only get off the remaining three years, nearly $138 million left on the max contract, but also to make sure the runway remained clear for the continued emergence of Coby White as a lead guard,” Cowley wrote.
This is just one of many reports that say Chicago is hoping upon hope to move on from LaVine. Johnson reported the same a couple of weeks ago.
LaVine played in just 25 games this season before undergoing the foot surgery.
A two-time All-Star, he averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.3 blocks this season while shooting 45.2% from the field, 34.9% from beyond the arc and 85.4% from the free-throw line.
LaVine signed a five-year, $215 million contract with the Bulls in July 2022. He’ll make $43 million next season and $45 million in 2025-26.
told NBA reporters in March he will be ready to go once training camp starts for the 2024-25 season.
“I feel really good,” LaVine said. “I get the boot off soon. I’ve been able to be out here (in Los Angeles) rehabbing, getting everything right. There’s not a lot. I just have to wait obviously for the tendon to heal. And then it’s a straightaway rehab. My legs feel strong, body feels good.”
Ashish Mathur contributed to this report.
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