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Chicago Bulls Rumors: Zach LaVine speaks out against trade talk

By Jordan Campbell

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 12: Zach LaVine #8 and Patrick Williams #44 of the Chicago Bulls look on against the Toronto Raptors during the 2023 Play-In Tournament at the Scotiabank Arena on April 12, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andrew Lahodynskyj/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - APRIL 12: Zach LaVine #8 and Patrick Williams #44 of the Chicago Bulls look on against the Toronto Raptors during the 2023 Play-In Tournament at the Scotiabank Arena on April 12, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andrew Lahodynskyj/Getty Images) /
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Despite signing a max contract extension with the Chicago Bulls last summer, Zach LaVine has been a constant name in trade rumors over the course of the past six months.

The idea of the Bulls trading LaVine first surfaced at the NBA Trade Deadline last season as the team seemed to have advanced past preliminary discussions with the New York Knicks regarding a potential deal.

The Bulls and Knicks, of course, did not reach an agreement on a trade at the deadline and there was a belief that talks would continue this summer.

Since the week of the 2023 NBA Draft in June, LaVine’s name has been mentioned in trade talks. The latest report had LaVine being discussed as part of a larger, three-team, deal with the Philadelphia 76ers as they look to move James Harden and the Portland Trail Blazers as they look to move Damian Lillard.

We have reached the point in the NBA offseason where it now may be likely that the Bulls won’t find a trade partner for LaVine and that would seem to play with recent comments made by Arturas Karnisovas as he highlighted continuity as the reason why the team can contend this upcoming season.

Meanwhile, LaVine had been mum on the rumors.

That is, until now.

Chicago Bulls All-Star guard Zach LaVine is not concerned with the recent trade rumors.

Ryan Taylor of NBC Sports Chicago caught up with LaVine and the Bulls’ All-Star downplayed the rumors as being just that, rumors. To that end, LaVine does not see a trade happening anytime soon.

"“I always rep my city whichever team I’m playing for to the best,” LaVine said. “And Chicago’s loved me and called me one of their own since I’ve been there. I don’t see anything happening anytime soon. But if it does, Chicago always has my love.”-Zach LaVine via NBC Sports Chicago"

There were plenty of ways that LaVine could have taken the recent trade rumors and with his reaction, the Bulls may be spared from their star guard requesting a trade. Though, if the Bulls fail to return to contention this season, LaVine may not be long for Chicago.

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