Bulls Trying To Trade Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic After DeMar DeRozan Deal

The Chicago Bulls are trying to trade Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic after sending DeMar DeRozan to the Sacramento Kings, multiple NBA sources told Hoops Wire. 

The Bulls are rebuilding and want to part ways with LaVine and Vucevic before the 2024-25 season starts. 

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.

Vucevic will make $20 million in 2024-25. The big man averaged 18.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.8 blocks in 2023-24 while shooting 48.4% from the field, 29.4% from beyond the arc and 82.2% from the free-throw line. He had 45 double-doubles in 76 games. 

The Bulls acquired Vucevic from the Orlando Magic in March 2021. The two-time All-Star has career averages of 17.1 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.9 blocks with the Philadelphia 76ers, Magic and Bulls. He was the 16th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft out of USC. 

Chicago traded Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Josh Giddey and let Andre Drummond leave in free agency for the Sixers. 

The Bulls missed the playoffs this year for the second consecutive season. The franchise has made the postseason once since trading Jimmy Butler to the Timberwolves in 2017. 

Chicago lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round of the 2022 playoffs in five quick games.