East Rumors: Pistons, Bojan Bogdanovic, Bulls, Knicks

Pistons

For now, the Pistons seemingly intend to hang on to guard/forward Bojan Bogdanovic, the main veteran on the struggling young team.

That’s despite the fact Bogdanovic is sure to draw trade interest ahead of the February deadline — particularly from contenders.

• After losing 18 straight, the Pistons shouldn’t wait to make major changes, wrote Bob Wojnowski of the Detroit News. They are a miserable 4-42 since Feb. 10, Wojnowski noted.

Bulls

Guard Zach LaVine is expected to miss at least four weeks with a right foot injury, but will likely remain at the center of trade rumors the entire time.

He implied that he understands that when speaking with reporters on Thursday. “It’s part of the business,” he told reporters, via Julia Poe of the Chicago Tribune.

But he also indicated he has no strong desire to move on from the Bulls — who have won three straight in his absence.

“Am I still a part of this team and very committed? Yeah. I’ve got a Bulls jersey on and I’m committed here,’ he said. “For as long as I’ll be here I’ll still support and love Chicago.”

• LaVine is aware that the Bulls attempted to trade him during the offseason, per K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago. Some are even speculating that LaVine has played his last game as a member of the Bulls, Johnson added.
• As we relayed here, the Bulls seemingly do not have any intention of trading guard Alex Caruso. “Caruso is arguably this regime’s greatest success story and he is the perfect embodiment of the culture the franchise wants to project,” Johnson wrote in a reader mailbag. “Trading him would be painful for this management team; I can assure you that.” 
• As we also relayed, the Wizards are one team that’s being linked to Chicago. You can read more on LaVine here and more Bulls chatter here.

Knicks

• The Knicks are not interested in a trade for LaVine or Bulls forward/guard DeMar DeRozan, per Ian Begley of SNY.tv. Begley did add that the Knicks “have had more than surface-level talks with some teams” about potential trades.
• As we relayed here, the Knicks are hoping to add a “star” player, though it remains to be seen if that’s possible or what it might cost. (Full post)