Zach LaVine’s trade value is on the rise, and it’s easy to see why. After a few rocky seasons with the Bulls, including a setback last year due to a foot injury, LaVine is proving he still has plenty to offer, per NBA reporter Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic.
His massive contract — $44.5 million per year over the next two seasons, with a $48.9 million player option for 2026/27 — had made him a tough sell for many teams, but his play this season has changed the narrative.
LaVine is shooting a career-high 42.8% from three-point range on 7.5 attempts per game, showcasing improved efficiency and reaffirming his status as a major scoring threat.
LaVine’s resurgence has caught the attention of several teams, with the Denver Nuggets reportedly showing strong interest. This is a significant shift, considering that not long ago, a trade involving LaVine would have seemed unlikely.
But with LaVine returning closer to form, the Nuggets are intrigued by the idea of him playing alongside Nikola Jokic.
As one Western Conference scout told Mayberry, LaVine would have a natural fit in Denver, even if he has to adjust his offensive game to defer to Jokic.
“Jokic makes guys better more than anybody in the entire league,” the scout said. “I’d be champing at the bit to be playing off of him.”
Despite the trade rumors swirling around him, LaVine remains focused on his role with the Bulls. He told Chicago Sports Network’s K.C. Johnson that he’s learned to keep his mindset in check, regardless of what’s happening outside his control.
“I signed a lengthy contract here for a reason,” LaVine said. “I wanted to stay here.”
But he also acknowledged that the trade buzz is a sign of respect. With his scoring averaging 21.7 points per game and his three-point shooting up by nearly 8 percentage points from last season, LaVine’s value is only increasing.
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