Report: Kings May Not Trade For Bulls’ Zach LaVine After Re-Signing Malik Monk

According to NBA insider Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Sacramento Kings may not trade for Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine after re-signing Malik Monk. 

The Kings signed Monk to a four-year, $78 million contract. 

“Looking ahead, the Bulls are continuing to search for a new home for guard Zach LaVine, league sources said,” Scotto reported. “Some rival executives believed the four-year, $78 million agreement with Malik Monk would take Sacramento out of any LaVine talks. As previously reported by HoopsHype before the trade deadline, Kings guard Kevin Huerter, also a trade candidate, has admirers in Chicago’s front office.”

The Philadelphia 76ers and Utah Jazz are not interested in acquiring LaVine. 

The Bulls are attempting to trade LaVine this offseason after failing to find a taker for him at the 2024 trade deadline.

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 and 3.9 assists 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. He’ll make $43 million next season and $45 million in 2025-26.

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.

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. 

According to NBA reporter Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic, rival teams aren’t sure LaVine “is worth the commitment.”

LaVine is coming off right foot surgery and has three years and $138 million left on his contract.

“LaVine’s name likely will be in trade rumors for the remainder of his career,” Mayberry wrote. “His strengths, weaknesses, contract, ego and injury history combine to form a fabulous but flawed talent, one capable of helping any team but only under the right conditions.

“It all makes LaVine a difficult fit. The Bulls have outgrown him. Rival teams aren’t sure LaVine is worth the commitment. LaVine is coming off right foot surgery and has three years and $138 million left on his contract.”