Report: DeMar DeRozan Was ‘Buffer’ Between Zach LaVine, Billy Donovan; Bulls Want To Trade LaVine ASAP

According to NBA reporter Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, DeMar DeRozan was the “buffer” between Zach LaVine and Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan. 

LaVine doesn’t have a good relationship with Donovan. 

With DeRozan now on the Sacramento Kings, the Bulls want to trade LaVine ASAP. 

“According to an NBA source attending Summer League play, not only does Arturas Karnisovas want to trade guard Zach LaVine because of the three years and $138 million left on his contract, but also because he is concerned the distrust LaVine has with the front office — and specifically with coach Billy Donovan — might lead to a ‘dysfunctional’ locker room,” Cowley reported. “When LaVine and Donovan have been asked about their icy relationship the last few seasons, both have downplayed just how bad it is, maintaining public professionalism throughout. But the source said a key buffer between the two, especially as far as LaVine is concerned, was veteran forward DeMar DeRozan. With DeRozan now with the Kings after a sign-and-trade, that buffer is gone.”

LaVine and the Bulls want to part ways, but Chicago hasn’t found a taker for the guard due to his injury history and contract. 

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.