Chicago Bulls Rumors: Zach LaVine against trade to New York Knicks

A popular Chicago Bulls rumor since the NBA Trade Deadline last season was the idea that the Bulls and New York Knicks may come together on a trade that would send All-Star guard Zach LaVine to the Knicks in exchange for a package of young players and picks.

The Bulls and Knicks were believed to be in trade discussions leading up to the deadline but given the lack of time to put together the framework of a deal, it was speculated that the two sides would revisit trade talks this summer.

The 2023 NBA Draft came and went on Thursday and despite flirtations of a potential trade of LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, or Alex Caruso; the Bulls opted for keeping their core intact for now.

We may have some more information as to why no major trade was not made by the Bulls on Thursday and it could be due to the fact that LaVine would not welcome a trade to the Knicks.

The report comes from Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News. 

"The Bulls are reportedly gauging interest in the All-Star guard, which prompted speculation that the Knicks — who are strapped with future draft assets — would get involved. But a source said the LaVine camp isn’t interested in dealing with the Knicks, who have a reputation around the league of favoring clients of CAA, the agency that employed Leon Rose before his move to the Knicks front office."

It is important to note that the Bulls do not need LaVine’s approval for any trade but it would seem unlikely on the Knicks end that they would want to trade for a player that has reservations about joining the team.

The latest Chicago Bulls rumor hints at the progress of a potential Zach LaVine trade.

LaVine has never publicly commented on the trade rumors involving his name, so, perhaps this is some form of a leverage play. When LaVine has had the opportunity to play elsewhere, he seemingly has always flirted with the idea of joining a west coast team such as the Sacramento Kings, Portland Trail Blazers, or Los Angeles Lakers.

The timing of the news could be perceived as the Knicks and Bulls were making progress on a potential deal and then LaVine’s camp got wind of the potential move. If that is the case, the next question is would the Bulls pull out of the deal and engage a west coast team in a potential trade, or will the idea of running it back with the core be the prevailing thought?

Regardless, this is yet another report that would hint at the Bulls doing what they can to reach the point of life without LaVine.