Trade rumors don't faze Chicago Bulls standout, Zach LaVine
02.11.2023 posted by Admin
DALLAS — Chicago Bulls' player Zach LaVine found himself back in the NBA trade rumor spotlight following the Philadelphia 76ers' big trade of James Harden to the Los Angeles Clippers.
Shortly after news of the Harden trade broke on Monday, LaVine's name started circulating as a potential trade target for the 76ers, according to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated.
LaVine could bring scoring and playmaking abilities to the 76ers, helping fill the void left by Harden's departure. The 76ers have also collected a stash of future draft picks, which could make their offer enticing if the Bulls' management opts for a rebuild.
However, LaVine, speaking in Dallas before the game against the Mavericks, mentioned that he hasn't heard anything from the Bulls' front office about a potential trade. He remains confident in his role with the Chicago team.
LaVine said, "I've been through trades before. Trades are just part of the game, and players change teams every year. My name has been in trade talks since I got here for some reason. I believe I've been loyal to the Bulls, but you can't control the rumors and people discussing potential trades."
He emphasized that each trade situation is unique. Some players have the chance to collaborate with the front office and their agents in trade negotiations. For example, Harden's move to Los Angeles was the result of an extended process involving the 76ers' front office and his representatives.
However, this hasn't been the case for LaVine. His trade to the Bulls in 2017 came as a surprise.
LaVine had just completed his third season with the Minnesota Timberwolves and, despite recovering from ACL surgery, was content with his performance, averaging a career-high 18.9 points. He had no inkling that a trade was on the horizon until his agent, Billy Duff, called minutes before the 16th pick in the draft.
The news broke that LaVine had been traded to the Bulls, along with Kris Dunn and Lauri Markkanen, in exchange for Jimmy Butler and the 16th pick Justin Patton, selected by the Timberwolves. He couldn't talk to his teammates or Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor until after the trade was finalized.
LaVine stated, "I was completely caught off guard. You need to quickly learn about the business side of the NBA."
LaVine tries not to dwell on the possibility of being traded by the Bulls. He believes they would communicate directly with him before making a significant move.
He said, "I feel like I'm in a good position now where they would inform me if something were to happen. I have a good line of communication with them and my agent."
"But there have been star players, high-profile guys, who weren't aware of it either. You just have to hope for a strong relationship or at least a heads-up for the family."
LaVine believes he has demonstrated his commitment to the Bulls, but he is also realistic about the team's performance this season. This marks the third year with a roster centered around DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vučević, and LaVine, and LaVine's seventh season as the team's leading figure. In that time, the Bulls have only made the playoffs once.
LaVine recognizes that if things don't improve this season, the Bulls' front office may need to make roster changes. However, he is currently focused on kick-starting the team's offense and not overly concerned about trade rumors.
He noted, "I take it in stride. It doesn't bother me because I'm now in my tenth year. It's nothing new to me. It doesn't faze me."
Shortly after news of the Harden trade broke on Monday, LaVine's name started circulating as a potential trade target for the 76ers, according to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated.
LaVine could bring scoring and playmaking abilities to the 76ers, helping fill the void left by Harden's departure. The 76ers have also collected a stash of future draft picks, which could make their offer enticing if the Bulls' management opts for a rebuild.
However, LaVine, speaking in Dallas before the game against the Mavericks, mentioned that he hasn't heard anything from the Bulls' front office about a potential trade. He remains confident in his role with the Chicago team.
LaVine said, "I've been through trades before. Trades are just part of the game, and players change teams every year. My name has been in trade talks since I got here for some reason. I believe I've been loyal to the Bulls, but you can't control the rumors and people discussing potential trades."
He emphasized that each trade situation is unique. Some players have the chance to collaborate with the front office and their agents in trade negotiations. For example, Harden's move to Los Angeles was the result of an extended process involving the 76ers' front office and his representatives.
However, this hasn't been the case for LaVine. His trade to the Bulls in 2017 came as a surprise.
LaVine had just completed his third season with the Minnesota Timberwolves and, despite recovering from ACL surgery, was content with his performance, averaging a career-high 18.9 points. He had no inkling that a trade was on the horizon until his agent, Billy Duff, called minutes before the 16th pick in the draft.
The news broke that LaVine had been traded to the Bulls, along with Kris Dunn and Lauri Markkanen, in exchange for Jimmy Butler and the 16th pick Justin Patton, selected by the Timberwolves. He couldn't talk to his teammates or Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor until after the trade was finalized.
LaVine stated, "I was completely caught off guard. You need to quickly learn about the business side of the NBA."
LaVine tries not to dwell on the possibility of being traded by the Bulls. He believes they would communicate directly with him before making a significant move.
He said, "I feel like I'm in a good position now where they would inform me if something were to happen. I have a good line of communication with them and my agent."
"But there have been star players, high-profile guys, who weren't aware of it either. You just have to hope for a strong relationship or at least a heads-up for the family."
LaVine believes he has demonstrated his commitment to the Bulls, but he is also realistic about the team's performance this season. This marks the third year with a roster centered around DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vučević, and LaVine, and LaVine's seventh season as the team's leading figure. In that time, the Bulls have only made the playoffs once.
LaVine recognizes that if things don't improve this season, the Bulls' front office may need to make roster changes. However, he is currently focused on kick-starting the team's offense and not overly concerned about trade rumors.
He noted, "I take it in stride. It doesn't bother me because I'm now in my tenth year. It's nothing new to me. It doesn't faze me."