Trail Blazers Not Interested in Bulls’ Zach LaVine

While the Bulls may have an interest in trading for Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard, the Blazers are not in on Chicago guard Zach LaVine, per K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago.

As we relayed here, the Bulls are believed to be among those interested in trying their hand at landing Lillard — despite the fact he has made it clear he wants to go to the Heat. And LaVine may be among the Bulls’ bargaining chips.

That may be fine for someone else, but apparently not Portland.

“PHLY_Sports’ Kyle Neubeck upped the ante late Wednesday by saying on his outlet’s podcast that the Bulls ‘might be trying to move LaVine as part of a multi-team deal just to see if they can get into the Lillard sweepstakes,'” Johnson wrote.

“Multiple league sources indicated throughout the offseason that the Trail Blazers showed little interest in acquiring LaVine directly, mostly because he doesn’t match their rebuilding path and commitment to a young backcourt of Scoot Henderson and Anfernee Simons.”

Interestingly, the Blazers are also said to not be interested in Heat guard Tyler Herro as part of a Lillard package. So if you want to try to pry away Lillard, it seems the lesson here is not to include a really good veteran guard in your offer.

Either way, Lillard remains with the Blazers with the start of training camp just a few weeks away. As we relayed here, that doesn’t appear as if it will change anytime soon, either.

Bulls mailbag, pre-training camp edition, asked and answered.

For @NBCSChicago: https://t.co/R3rBErtAA4

— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) September 21, 2023