Report: Bulls Trying To Trade Zach LaVine And Lonzo Ball

According to NBA insider Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, the Chicago Bulls are trying to trade Zach LaVine and Lonzo Ball. 

LaVine will make $43 million next season, while Ball will make $21.4 million.

The Bulls are rebuilding after trading Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Josh Giddey and letting Andre Drummond leave for the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency. 

DeMar DeRozan, who is an unrestricted free agent, won’t return to the Bulls. 

LaVine played in only 25 games in 2023-24. He underwent season-ending right foot surgery in February.

A two-time All-Star, LaVine averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.3 blocks in 2023-24 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.

A UCLA product, LaVine has career averages of 20.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.3 blocks with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Bulls. He has a 216-364 record. 

A source told Hoops Wire that LaVine “would like” to get traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. LaVine, LeBron James and Anthony Davis have the same agent (Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group). 

However, the Lakers are not expected to pursue a LaVine trade, sources said. LaVine’s trade value is essentially non-existent. He’s coming off surgery and has three years and $138 million left on his contract.

Ball hasn’t played in an NBA game since January 14, 2022. He signed a four-year, $80 million contract with the Bulls in August 2021 as part of a sign-and-trade deal with the New Orleans Pelicans.

Ball averaged 13.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.8 steals and 0.9 blocks for Chicago in 2021-22 in 35 games while shooting 42.3% from the field, 42.3% from beyond the arc and 75.0% from the free-throw line.

Ball has career averages of 11.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.6 blocks with the Lakers, Pelicans and Bulls. He was the second overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Lakers. 

Ball underwent a cartilage transplant in his left knee. The guard received a meniscus transplant from a donor.