Report: Members Of Bulls Believe They Are ‘Better’ Without Zach LaVine

According to NBA podcaster Jason Goff, members of the Chicago Bulls believe they are “better” without Zach LaVine. 

LaVine and the Bulls want to part ways, but Chicago hasn’t found a taker for the guard due to his injury history and contract. 

What’s next for Zach LaVine if Chicago moves on from him? 🤔@VinceGoodwill | @Jason1Goff | #BallDontLie pic.twitter.com/8RYq7bJQcw

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) July 23, 2024

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.

According to NBA reporter Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, the relationship between LaVine and the Bulls is “filled with mistrust.”

“An NBA insider told the Sun-Times on Tuesday that the relationship between LaVine and the team’s top brass is completely shattered and ‘filled with mistrust.’ LaVine and his representation at Klutch Sports feel like they were misled on possible trade destinations, and the Bulls thought LaVine ‘opting’ for season-ending right foot surgery when rehab on the injury was still on the table was a counterpunch thrown below the belt,” Cowley reported. 

The Bulls acquired LaVine from the Timberwolves in 2017. They have made the postseason once in the LaVine era.