Zach LaVine has been a popular name in trade talks in recent seasons, but the Chicago Bulls don't seem committed to dealing him anytime soon. While speaking about the future of the Bulls, K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports highlights Chicago's current interest level in trading LaVine.
Johnson begins his conversation surrounding LaVine by saying that the Bulls aren't currently indulging themselves in any trade talks involving the athletic guard. However, Johnson does point out that Chicago needs to begin looking at LaVine's future contract when deciphering whether or not to trade him.
LaVine, who is in his fourth season with the Bulls, has two years remaining on his current contract, making him an unrestricted free agent in 2022. When LaVine enters free agency — barring a drastic change — he'll undoubtedly be looking for a max contract from whoever is interested in giving it to him.
The former No. 13 overall pick of the Minnesota Timberwolves is currently on track to have the best season of his career with the Bulls. Through Chicago's first 14 games of the season, LaVine is accounting for a career-best 27.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game.
Also, LaVine is shooting a career-high 49.8 percent from the floor while converting 38.7 percent of his 3-pointers for the Bulls, which is the best mark of his career since 2015-2016. Seeing that LaVine is 25 years old and still improving as a player, he is a wanted commodity among NBA teams.
Not to mention, with the Bulls continuing to struggle, teams are going to begin calling about LaVine's availability ahead of the trade deadline. With that being said, Chicago doesn't currently have much interest in trading LaVine during the 2020-2021 season.
The reality the Bulls must face up to is that with a new coach and front office, they need to map out and then execute a multi-stage plan for their roster. Understanding what they want, and knowing how the various pieces of the puzzle fit, are prerequisites for Chicago.
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