Frontrunner Emerges in the Zach LaVine Sweepstakes

The Chicago Bulls are seemingly headed towards a massive rebuild after another disappointing 2023-24 campaign.

They've now missed the playoffs in five of the last six seasons. DeMar DeRozan is slated to become an unrestricted free agent. The health of Lonzo Ball hangs in the balance. They just traded Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Josh Giddey.

Now they are actively shopping Zach LaVine and a frontrunner has emerged.

Bulls News: Zach LaVine May Be the Next Player on the Move

Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports dropped an article on the rumors that are circulating around the league. Two teams have expressed interest in LaVine but the Sacramento Kings look like the most likely destination.

"If there’s any suitor for LaVine that seems most likely at this juncture, it would be the Kings. Sacramento remains active in exploring trade opportunities for Harrison Barnes and Kevin Huerter, league sources told Yahoo Sports, with Huerter receiving a healthy amount of external interest. "

- Jake Fischer

LaVine's health and price tag are the biggest reasons the Bulls are looking to move on. His 2023-24 season was cut short as he had to undergo foot surgery.

Now he's scheduled to make $43 million in the 2024-25 campaign but things aren't looking good for the Bulls' future.

Kevin Huerter is going to make $16.8 million and Harrison Barnes has a cap hit of $18 million next season.

If both sides want to agree to this deal, the salaries will essentially match. Back in 2022, LaVine and the Bulls agreed to a five-year, $215 million extension but things haven't worked out.

Management is seemingly waving the white flag and that's the right call. LaVine will be sent out soon but it's just a matter of time.

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