NBA Notes: Bulls, Zach LaVine, Trade Rumors, Kings, Sixers

Bulls

Guard Zach LaVine is again being mentioned in trade rumors, this time involving the 76ers. But he told Julia Poe of the Chicago Tribune he’s unfazed.

“I’ve been traded before,” LaVine said. “Trades are just part of the business and guys get shuffled around every year. I’ve been in trade talks since I’ve been here for some reason.

“I feel like I’ve held up my end of the bargain in my commitment to the Bulls, but there’s not a lot you can do with rumors and people putting your name in trade talks.”

• The Bulls are believed to have a large asking price for LaVine or forward DeMar DeRozan — but that could come down, depending on how the season goes. As it stands, Chicago is not considered an Eastern Conference contender.

Kings

• The Kings are indeed acquiring big man Filip Petrusev in a trade with the Clippers, per Sean Cunningham of KTXL. The news was broken earlier in the day.
• As Cunningham wrote, the Kings have an open roster spot and are going to give Petrusev a look. He was considered a throw-in in the James Harden trade and LA had no intentions of keeping him.
• It’s unclear what, if anything, the Clippers are receiving in return. Though in these situations, it’s either cash or a second-round pick.

76ers

President of basketball operations Daryl Morey offered thanks to James Harden, P.J. Tucker and Filip Petrusev in a press conference, but focused mostly on the Sixers’ newcomers, per Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

“I first wanted to thank James, PJ and Filip. Obviously great competitors for us,” Morey said. “But today’s about the new guys. We’re very excited for who we’re bringing in. Obviously folks know Robert Covington. Quite a fun reunion for myself as well. I think he’s part of Sixers lore. I was amazed he’s second in made 3-pointers. I just talked to him and he was like, ‘I’m breaking that record,’ so let’s have that.

“Nic Batum is someone I’ve gone against in the playoffs, and he’s gotten the better of me some and we’ve gotten the better of him some. He’s going to add a lot to the team. …

“(K.J. Martin): Young, up-and-coming player. Love what he can provide, especially with the way (Nick Nurse) has us playing in transition.

“And Marcus Morris is obviously another reunion of sorts. He seems like one of the guys most famously from Philadelphia in the league, because he’s so proud of his roots.”