Bulls Rumors: Zach Lavine, DeMar DeRozan, Alex Caruso, Lakers

Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine is expected to return from a right foot injury about the middle of January, which just happens to be the same time that Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell and forward Rui Hachimura become trade-eligible, noted The Athletic’s Shams Charania on FanDuel TV’s Run It Back.

LaVine has been linked to several teams in trade talks, including the Lakers. For starters, he shares an agent (Rich Paul) with Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The Lakers could also seemingly use a third reliable scorer if they hope to contend for a championship.

• Meanwhile, the Bulls have won three straight with LaVine on the sidelines, as we noted here.
• The Bulls have explored LaVine trade scenarios, but so far have found little interest. We also have the latest on that here.
• One rival GM has told Hoops Wire several times that the Jazz could have an interest in LaVine. Utah has a glut of guards and at the moment, appears to be going nowhere fast. Interestingly, a LaVine trade to Utah would reunite him with former Bulls forward Lauri Markkanen. It seems doubtful the Jazz would want to take on LaVine’s contract, though.
• The Bulls are taking a wait-and-see approach on potential trades centered on DeMar DeRozan, sources told Hoops Wire. If DeRozan is dealt, it’s likely to be closer to the deadline in February, sources said. For now, the Bulls are happy to have him.
• Meanwhile, the Bulls reportedly continue to make guard Alex Caruso off-limits. It is believed the Lakers have an interest in bringing him back. The Wizards are also believed to be interested in Caruso and/or Bulls big man Patrick Williams.

“He’s going to be ending up missing a total of at least 4-5 weeks… Zach LaVine and the Bulls have been open to exploring trade avenues, but for now he will remain shelved”@ShamsCharania with the latest on LaVine’s foot injury

📺: https://t.co/qYBPWhXIrz pic.twitter.com/nkQTN86Z65

— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) December 7, 2023