Zach LaVine would prefer to remain with the Chicago Bulls beyond the Feb. 6 trade deadline, sources tell Jake Fischer. LaVine is under consideration for his third All-Star Game selection of his career following his injury-plagued 23-24 season. LaVine and the Bulls each wanted to find a trade last season, but the situation has changed considerably for both sides.
LaVine has two seasons remaining on his contract at a combined $95 million. LaVine was averaging 24.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists entering Thursday night’s game at Golden State while shooting 45.0 percent on three-pointers. As important as his production, LaVine has managed to stay healthy.
The Bulls are currently 10th in the Eastern Conference. Chicago will owe its first round pick to the San Antonio Spurs if it is outside the top-10.
While LaVine is not pushing to be traded, the Bulls could consider their options on the trade market for him. The Phoenix Suns could emerge with interest in LaVine depending on how their pursuit of Jimmy Butler progresses.
The Bulls are receiving interest in center Nikola Vucevic and guard Lonzo Ball ahead of the trade deadline. Those talks are expected to continue through until the February 6 deadline.