It seems that a trade involving Zach LaVine moving on from the Chicago Bulls may finally be on the horizon. Since getting traded to Chicago in 2017, the UCLA alum has been involved in trade rumors. However, nothing has come to fruition. While nothing is official yet, reports are indicating that the Bulls may finally have a buyer for LaVine. Reportedly, the Denver Nuggets have legitimate interest in acquiring LaVine this season. Furthermore, it is likely that Denver would part ways with Michael Porter Jr. in a potential trade for the 29-year-old. There is, however, a holdup for the Bulls in a potential trade to send LaVine to Denver. According to NBA insider Marc Stein (subscription required) and Bulls writer K.C. Johnson, the Bulls have no interest in acquiring Zeke Nnaji and taking on his contract.
One potential trade iteration to surface as part of Denver’s confirmed interest in Chicago’s Zach LaVine is a swap that would bring LaVine and Torrey Craig to the Nuggets in exchange for Michael Porter Jr. and Zeke Nnaji.
Yet the Bulls, league sources say, have balked at Nnaji’s inclusion in such a trade. This is Year 1 of a four-year, $32 million contract for Nnaji that, while descending in value annually, runs through 2027-28.
Longtime Bulls reporter K.C. Johnson reported earlier this week that Chicago has shown “no interest” in taking on Nnaji’s contract “in any talks surrounding Zach LaVine.”
Chicago Bulls Not Interested in Zeke Nnaji in Potential Zach LaVine Trade
Zach LaVine’s Campaign Is Fueling Trade Rumors
The Bulls star is having a good year in Chicago so far. Through 25 games, LaVine is averaging 22 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. Additionally, he is shooting 50.1% from the field and a career-high 44.4% from the three-point line. LaVine is having his most efficient season yet, but it may not be helping his trade market.
Earlier this month, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said that, although LaVine is having a good season, there were no updates regarding a potential trade for him.
“He’s having an excellent year. We know he’s been on the trade block for a year now, at least,” Windhorst said on Monday’s episode of The Hoop Collective Podcast. “Yet, I hear nothing about LaVine on the trade market. I don’t think it’s because the Bulls aren’t interested in trading him. Despite playing this well…I’m just saying Zach LaVine is playing well enough to be traded and if this was two years ago, not just with his contract but I think he would have a good chance to be traded. We’ll see, we have two months left.”
It is important to note, however, that this was before Denver’s reported interest in LaVine. At this point, it is unclear if any other team has expressed interest in LaVine since.
The Last Word
The Bulls currently own a 13-16 record and own the No. 9 seed in the East. As expected by many, they will likely be a Play-In team at best. Trading LaVine for future assets would likely be in the team’s best interest. Until something is official, however, LaVine’s name will remain in the rumor mill.
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