Bulls Ready To Lower Asking Price For Zach LaVine

According to NBC Sports Chicago’s K.C. Johnson, the Chicago Bulls are preparing themselves to be forced to take a lower offer for Zach LaVine than they previously were during the trade deadline.

Chicago is ready to part ways with their former franchise player, as both sides agreed to part ways if a deal could be reached with a potential suitor. However, teams were concerned with his injury, how massive his contract is, and if he could be paid like a number one option but play like a third option.

General Manager Marc Eversley wants to reengage the market and talk to teams that may be interested in the 29-year-old wing. Even if this all means lowering the price and not getting their

“I do get the sense both sides are motivated to make something work this offseason,” writes K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago. “I don’t think the Bulls will take an awful deal if little materializes, but I do get the sense they’re open to more possibilities than before. More to the point: I’ve reported before what their asking price was—All-Star level talent, first-round picks or both—and my sense is that it has dropped significantly.”

LaVine signed a five-year, $215 million deal back in 2022.

Alex Caruso (Ankle) Doubtful For Heat Game

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, confirmed by head coach Billy Donovan, the Chicago Bulls will be without their 3-and-D player for Friday’s elimination Play-In game.

Alex Caruso suffered a “significant” ankle injury during Wednesday’s win over the Atlanta Hawks. The injury occurred when Andre Drummond collided with the 30-year-old.

It appeared Drummond stepped on his foot, which knocked him out for the remainder of the game. Caruso tried returning to the game, but ultimately, he was ruled out. From watching the game, it looked like he had a limp or something prohibiting him from moving correctly.

Pistons Had Zach LaVine Trade Done Before Surgery

According to K.C. Johnson of NBCS Chicago, the framework for a Zach LaVine trade was being materialized with the Detroit Pistons legitimately being interested in the veteran guard.

Before LaVine opted for season-ending surgery, Detroit and the Chicago Bulls discussed Zach LaVine for Bojan Bogdanovic and Joe Harris. This was the Bulls’ best offer, with many reports suggesting they would lose any trade regarding LaVine.

If I were Detroit, I would be heartbroken. It would have been a great pairing in the backcourt with Cade Cunningham. Now, they’ll search for another guard and a team to take Killian Hayes, who has requested a trade out of their organization.

The NBA trade deadline is February 8th, 2024.