Chicago Bulls Rumors: Eastern Conference contender eyeing Zach LaVine

The Chicago Bulls are four games into the 2023-2024 NBA season and rumors have already begun regarding a potential trade of All-Star guard Zach LaVine.

Despite signing a maximum contract extension with the Bulls last year, LaVine has been a popular name in trade rumors dating back to the NBA Trade Deadline of last season. Throughout the summer, LaVine’s name has been mentioned in a potential deal involving James Harden of the Philadelphia 76ers.

On Tuesday morning, the 76ers dealt Harden to the Los Angeles Clippers. Still, the 76ers are eyeing the possibility of adding another All-Star to their rotation. An early name that the 76ers are keeping an eye on is LaVine.

"Bulls guard Zach Lavine is one of two NBA stars the 76ers are eyeing to pair with reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey after the franchise traded James Harden, according to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix.-Sports Illustrated"

Chicago Bulls All-Star guard Zach LaVine has once again surfaced in NBA Trade Rumors involving the Philadelphia 76ers.

There seems to be a sense of inevitably with the Bulls deconstructing the core that they decided to bring back this season. Despite their .500 start to the season, there have been signs in each game that the Bulls’ decision to preach continuity this season instead of rebuilding was a mistake.

A path where the Bulls deconstruct their core likely would see the team look to move LaVine and DeMar DeRozan. The Bulls were unable to reach an extension with DeRozan before the deadline at the start of the season and the belief is that he could be among the first players to be moved this season if the Bulls struggle during the first half of the season.

For the Bulls, there shouldn’t be a need to trade LaVine just to make a trade. There is a scenario where the Bulls rebuild by trading DeRozan but embrace an offense that flows through center Nikola Vucevic with LaVine flourishing on the wing.

However, trading LaVine likely would be the best way for the Bulls to get a combination of draft picks and young players that will ignite their rebuild.