Pistons continue to show trade interest in Bulls’ Zach LaVine

Just when you thought it might be impossible for the Chicago Bulls to trade guard Zach LaVine before the Feb. 8 deadline, in come the Detroit Pistons.

The latest comes from Marc Stein of The Stein Line, who reported that the Pistons continue to express interest in LaVine and are holding talks with the Bulls on the matter.

“League sources tell The Stein Line that, while no trade is certain to be consummated, Detroit continues to maintain interest in LaVine,” Stein wrote. “And talk between the sides, sources say, have by no means gone dormant.”

This follows a report from James Edwards III of The Athletic, who wrote that Pistons forward Bojan Bogdanovic is involved in the talks.

“Similarly, the Bulls and Pistons have had conversations involving Zach LaVine, league sources say,” Edwards III wrote. “Chicago appears to be locked in on a package involving Bojan Bogdanovic and one of Detroit’s blue-chippers for LaVine and his hefty contract. Once again, the Pistons have shown no interest in parting with any of Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren or Ausar Thompson.”

Without a doubt, a LaVine-Cunningham pairing might be a good start for a Pistons turnaround.

LaVine is currently sidelined with a right ankle sprain and is expected to miss at least another week, maybe two, right up until the trade deadline.

He reportedly has been available for a trade since about the second or third week of the season. Injuries have limited him to just 25 games — and that and his large contract have made him virtually untradeable.

Lavine is averaging 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists, shooting 45.2 percent from the field and 34.9 on 3-pointers. He signed a five-year, $215 million contract with the Bulls in July 2022. He is making $40.1 million this season, with $43 million due next season and $45 million in 2025-26.

As we relayed here, the Bulls are seeking a “strong return” in exchange for LaVine.