The Chicago Bulls are currently 4-6, but the vibes surrounding the team seem better than last season. Given how poorly they executed their offseason plan, this may come as a shock. Ironically though, the reason the Bulls may be in good spirits is the fact that they did fail to make the moves they wanted this offseason.
The Bulls wanted to keep DeMar DeRozan but it’s been easier to play with pace and space since his trade to the Sacramento Kings. Chicago tried hard to move Zach LaVine, but he’s arguably been their best player. The same can be said for Nikola Vucevic, who has been on a tear lately.
That doesn’t mean that the franchise has pivoted away from their position though. That leaves both LaVine and Vucevic in a place of uncertainty, which can be uncomfortable for anyone.
Zach LaVine’s Mindset Makes Him More Attractive For Bulls, Trades
While he’s been understanding of the team’s desire to lean into a youth movement, LaVine’s mind is on winning.
“I don’t think you ever lower expectations,” LaVine says, per Chicago Sun-Times reporter Joe Cowley. “You go into each game trying to win, regardless. I don’t care if you have the lowest expectations on the totem pole, we’re trying to win games, at least I am. I’m not here trying to throw no games. Been in Chicago for years, we’re not trying to lose games.
“But understanding the situation we’re in with the guys, we’re trying to develop dudes as well. You know, how can the veteran guys put their footprint into the game and help us win, but also help raise these guys’ level of play.”
Lost In Translation
LaVine’s comments are a glimpse into the future. Yet, like Matthew McConaughy in Interstellar, the time warp hasn’t changed the space around him as much as it’s affected the way he communicates. In Interstellar, McConaughy’s character is forced to use gravity and Morse code in order to escape his situation. LaVine is obviously able to vocalize his thoughts, but he still has to resort to cryptic messages.
On the surface, the 29-year-old is saying all the right stuff.
He’s bought into the Bulls’ philosophies, so much so that at least one of his teammates believes he’s “been as mentally dialed in as he’s been the past few seasons, and at the same time emerged as a real leader.” He’s the team’s most consistent scorer on the wing. Yet, he’s willing to sacrifice touches for other perimeter players’ development. Despite the Bulls’ status as a rebuilding team, he would rather compete earnestly than accept mediocrity.
However, even if it’s not his intention, he’s sending a message to Bulls executive vice president Arturas Karnisovas and head coach Billy Donovan.
‘You’ve got the wrong guy.’
A True Competitor
LaVine has often been criticized for not being a ‘winning’ player. His habits at both ends of the court needed to be cleaned up, largely his relatively slow decision-making and poor defensive effort. His relationship with Donovan has been strained by his previous lack of buy-in.
Yet, he’s never quit or checked-out on his team or teammates in the middle of a game. While he’s had to mature as a player, he’s always carried himself in a serious manner on the court. He’s also quite confident in his capabilities.
The questions about LaVine’s mentality have been fair. Nonetheless, the comments he’s made about his current role underscore his competitive nature. Factor in what’s already known about the former lottery pick and whether he’s a ‘winner’ comes down to far more than his well-documented flaws.
This should make the two-time All-Star more attractive to every team in the NBA.
Will Zach LaVine Be Traded
Despite LaVine turning over a new leaf so to speak, the Bulls are still looking to trade him.
That doesn’t quite track with Karnisovas’s comments about wanting to “win every game,” especially with how well he’s been playing. However, it makes perfect sense for a franchise with a top-10 protected pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. If Chicago can ship off both him and Vucevic, they’ll probably have a great shot at a top-10 pick.
With that selection, the Bulls may be able to acquire Duke forward Cooper Flagg or Rutgers forward Ace Bailey, who league executives view as contenders for the top spot in the 2025 NBA Draft. Georgia big man Asa Newell is another potential top-10 pick Chicago may be interested in.
As of now, the Los Angeles Lakers seem like the best candidate to land either LaVine or Vucevic given their team needs. The Sacramento Kings are viewed as a team still looking for an upgrade on the perimeter. The Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers could try to make a splash after their horrid starts.
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