Chicago Bulls Rumors: More on Zach LaVine trade rumors

The end of the Zach LaVine era for the Chicago Bulls appears to be nearing as it was reported that LaVine and the Bulls are exploring trade possibilities.

At first blush, the latest round of LaVine trade rumors seemed to suggest that the Bulls angling toward a rebuild. However, in the days since, and LaVine not denying the report, it’s become clear that the trade is strictly because LaVine wants out of Chicago.

That confirmation was provided by Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports on Friday.

"LaVine, according to multiple sources familiar with his thinking, does not view this Bulls roster as competitive enough to turn any type of contending corner in the East.-Yahoo Sports"

LaVine isn’t alone in that thought. The Bulls’ front office drew criticism this off-season for their willingness to bring back a core of LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vucevic that has failed to become a threat in the Eastern Conference for much of the past two years.

For that reason, a trade of LaVine will be a refreshing move for a Bulls’ core that has grown stale.

For LaVine, he will finally have the opportunity to no longer be coached by Billy Donovan. LaVine has remained at odds with Donovan ever since the Bulls’ head coach benched the shooting guard during the fourth quarter of a game against the Orlando Magic last year.

Fischer’s report also touched on LaVine wanting to be coached by someone else.

"LaVine, league sources told Yahoo Sports, is also ready to play under a different head coach than Billy Donovan, who signed an extension with the club before the 2022-23 season began.-Yahoo Sports"

The sooner that the Bulls can trade Lavine, the better. Trading LaVine is not going to resolve what has gone wrong with the construction of the Bulls’ roster but it has become increasingly clear that he does not want to be in Chicago and his play this season would seem to suggest his interests are elsewhere. Regardless of what else happens, the relationship between the Bulls and LaVine can not continue past the NBA Trade Deadline in February.