Bulls’ Zach LaVine Doesn’t Deny Being Open to Trade

Bulls guard Zach LaVine was his usual classy and diplomatic self when discussing recent reports that he may be open to a trade after shootaround Wednesday.

Of course, he didn’t confirm anything, either.

“Right now is not that time to really talk about that,” LaVine told the media, via K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago. “Play the Orlando Magic (Wednesday), try and get a win. If something comes obviously out later on that will be the time I talk about it.”

LaVine and the Bulls are off to another uneven start, leading to lots of chatter — which is nothing new for LaVine. His name has been mentioned in trade rumors for about a year.

Reports have linked him to the Lakers, Heat, 76ers and Warriors, though it’s uncertain if those teams have the interest — or assets — to make a deal happen.

Gotta like Klutch angle with Lakers, but they’d have to give up Reaves, other key pieces. Can’t imagine the Sixers would risk a good thing already with Maxey. Heat probably best fit. But Bulls asking for a lot. Warriors have nothing they’re willing to surrender that’d interest…

— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) November 15, 2023

Either way, LaVine said he lets agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports deal with anything trade-related.

“That’s why I have representatives like Rich Paul,” LaVine told reporters. “If he speaks on my behalf, that’s my agent. That’s who I obviously have my camp with. They talk to (Bulls head of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas) and them. My job is to go out here and play. Simple as that.”

For the record, Paul also represents Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis.