Bulls' Zach LaVine on Trade Rumors: 'I Don't See Anything Happening Anytime Soon'

Despite his name regularly being the subject of rumors, Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine does not believe a trade is on the horizon.

Per Ryan Taylor of NBC Sports Chicago, LaVine said: "I always rep my city whichever team I'm playing for to the best. 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."

K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago reported last week that league sources indicated the Bulls had trade talks with the both the Portland Trail Blazers and Philadelphia 76ers regarding LaVine.

The 28-year-old LaVine, who is a two-time All-Star, has been heavily involved in the trade rumor mill for the past couple of years.

It started in 2021 when he was on an expiring deal, but the Bulls managed to keep him by signing him to a five-year, $215.16 million contract almost exactly one year ago.

That new deal came on the heels of LaVine's second consecutive All-Star nod, as he averaged 24.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.8 three-pointers made per game during the 2021-22 season after averaging 27.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 3.4 three-pointers made the previous year.

Expectations were high for LaVine and the Bulls entering the 2022-23 season after they reached the playoffs for the first time since 2017 the prior year.

Although he missed out on his third consecutive All-Star nod, LaVine had another strong individual year, averaging 24.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 2.6 trifectas per game.

Also, LaVine's 77 games played were his most in a single season since playing all 82 games in 2015-16.

Despite LaVine's best efforts, the Bulls went just 40-42 and fell in the postseason play-in tournament to the eventual Eastern Conference champion Miami Heat.

As of now, the Bulls are essentially returning the same core as last season, comprised of LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vučević, Patrick Williams, Coby White and Alex Caruso.

Since that wasn't good enough to finish with a record above .500 last season, it is fair to wonder if any improvement is coming.

This offseason, the Washington Wizards got out from under the huge contract extension they gave guard Bradley Beal by trading him to the Phoenix Suns.

If things don't go well for the Bulls during the first half of the 2023-24 season, it wouldn't be surprising to see them attempt to make a similar move.

However, LaVine is still a member of the Bulls roster for now, and there are no clear signs that a trade is imminent.