Latest Official Bulls Statement Is the Worst Zach LaVine Update Possible

The Zach LaVine saga in Chicago is still ongoing and looks nowhere near resolving. The Bulls have been trying to find a trade for the 29-year-old shooting guard but the market for him has been remarkably tepid. As the interest in LaVine is close to non-existent, the chances of having the two-time All-Star back in Chicago next season have increased dramatically.

The lead Bulls decisionmaker Arturas Karnisovas recently addressed this issue in a conversation with Chicago-based writers. As K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago reports, Karnisovas and the Bulls front office are preparing to start next season with LaVine on the roster.

"We expect Zach being fully healthy. And he is healthy. I think he can help this group next year. He’s been professional. Again, he’s healthy. We expect him to be with us at the start of training camp."

- Bulls GM Arturas Karnisovas

This is the worst-case scenario for the Bulls. This presumably means that the Bulls have exhausted all potential deals for LaVine and are choosing to have him back as a last resort. A relationship where both sides want out is unlikely to work.

Having LaVine back to start the season doesn't make much sense for Chicago for a variety of reasons. The Bulls already have Josh Giddey, Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, and hopefully Lonzo Ball in the backcourt, deserving of significant playing time. LaVine being a starter takes valuable developmental minutes and touches from these young players.

Plus, if LaVine plays well and helps the Bulls win more games, that hurts their chances at the draft lottery. If he plays poorly, then his trade value goes down even more.

If there are truly no offers for LaVine, there isn't much the Bulls can do. At this point, however, any trade offer that doesn't require Chicago to send other assets the other way is probably worth doing.

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