After trading Alex Caruso and DeMar DeRozan this offseason, the Chicago Bulls seem to be slowly approaching their rebuilding phase, and it remains to be seen where Zach LaVine fits in their long-term plans.
Zach LaVine’s name has been mentioned in trade rumors in the past few months because his relationship with the organization has been reportedly fractured. However, as much as he wants to move elsewhere, the Chicago Bulls find it difficult to trade him because of his whopping $215 million contract and injury history.
Because of his unique situation, LaVine is forced to stay in the Windy City. According to Chicago Bulls beat writer Darnell Mayberry, the two-time NBA All-Star is making a concerted effort to repair his relationship with the organization by fully participating in team activities this summer, including a player-organized minicamp in Miami last month.
Mayberry also noted in his The Athletic column that LaVine vows to not interfere with the team’s young players’ development in 2024-25, a huge step in a positive direction.
Zach LaVine aims to bounce back with the Chicago Bulls
Zach LaVine is fresh from his worst season as a member of the Chicago Bulls, as he only averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists on 45.2 percent shooting from the field in only 25 appearances in 2023-24.
The two-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion didn’t play much last season because he had season-ending surgery on his right foot.
Zach LaVine takes up a huge chunk of the team’s payroll because he has an annual salary of around $43 million in 2024-25.
