Zach LaVine’s fortress of positivity is about to be tested.
Not that anyone felt it wouldn’t be for the Bulls guard at some point this season.
It was back on media day that LaVine came out in his presser with an opening statement to try and “8 Mile” the negativity before it could be asked of him.
“With everything I’ve learned there’s times where you need to speak and times you don’t,” LaVine said. “I talked to you guys in February of last year? Whenever there’s something that needs to be said it will come from Zach LaVine or my representation. There were a lot of thoughts and rumors and opinions about me, about the organization, so just know that whenever it needs to come from me or them, you’ll know it will be from them. Everything else you can take with a grain of salt with false narratives or whatever it may be.
“That won’t waver. That’s something I stand on. So anything going forward I think that’s how I’m going to answer it.”
He’s been true to that statement through the first 27 games, but then again there were few outside noises being made.
Things have suddenly gotten louder.
A source confirmed a report on Wednesday that there was “light momentum” in a scenario in which the Nuggets try to land LaVine, hoping to add a shot creator to go along with MVP Nikola Jokic. Michael Porter Jr.’s name was out there as a return in the deal, but to make the money match Denver would also have to send a player like Dario Saric in the package.
What remained consistent on the Bulls’ end — whether it’s with Denver or any other teams they have spoken to about LaVine — is they will absolutely not add future draft assets in the deal unless it is a swap of picks.
Considering the Bulls are trying to steer this roster into a youth movement/rebuild, keeping draft picks remains a must. The best currency executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas can hold onto to make that work is his future draft assets.
But before LaVine worries about packing up the winter clothes and skis for the Rocky Mountains, he is not the only player the Nuggets are targeting. Denver’s also not the only team that could be window shopping sooner than later, either.
Think of the current trade landscape as a line. Because of LaVine’s contract — which still has $95 million left after this season and doesn’t expire until 2027 — there’s other attractive pieces with several sitting on a cheaper shelf.
The Line:
Brandon Ingram, New Orleans
The Pelicans have been a disaster so far this season, injured and underachieving. Ingram was a trade rumor before the 2024-25 campaign, and now that the organization seems to be spiraling it seems only a matter of when.
What also makes Ingram way more attractive than LaVine is his expiring $36 million contract. Then there’s the wild card in all of this that is Zion Williamson. Yep, he’s injured again, and it might be time for both sides to look for a different partnership after five roller coaster years.
Jimmy Butler, Miami
Former Bull Jimmy “Buckets” would be a huge get for multiple championship-level teams, but his contract is tricky. If the Heat can’t move him they become a luxury tax team next season, and in the first apron. For a roster that seems to be going backwards that’s not what they want.
Acquiring Butler, however, would strip a team of depth.
D’Angelo Russell, Los Angeles Lakers
It’s not that teams are beating down the door for the veteran point guard, but he is the defined piece that will be moved when the Lakers are ready to strike. The Lakers are over the apron so can’t take back more money than what Russell is owed, so expect him to be the glue in a package sooner than later.
