Zach LaVine, Bulls HC Donovan Haven't Discussed NBA Trade Rumors ahead of Deadline

Chicago Bulls shooting guard Zach LaVine has been involved in trade rumors throughout the 2023-24 season, but there hasn't been much communication between him and the team as the Feb. 8 trade deadline draws nearer.

Per Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, Bulls head coach Billy Donovan said prior to Sunday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers that "talking about trade rumors with LaVine hasn't been on the table" even though the two of them talk almost daily.

"I haven't talked to him about anything with the rumor piece of it," Donovan said. "I would just guess that with him being in the league for 10 years that these things would kind of happen. My talks with him have been more centered around his frustration with being out."

LaVine hasn't played since Jan. 18 due to an ankle injury. He has now missed 21 of Chicago's last 28 games, and the Bulls are 12-9 without him during that span. When he has been healthy, he hasn't been as effective as he once was, as his average of 19.5 points over his 25 appearances this season is his lowest since 2017-18.

Still, the two-time All-Star has drawn interest from teams looking to improve their rosters. Donovan added that he won't concern himself with trade rumors until the Bulls enter serious negotiations with a team, and Cowley noted that they "aren't close to that point in talks about LaVine."

"I'm more interested when there's things coming to the table with, 'What do you think about this player?'" Donovan said.

The Bulls (22-25) will be back in action on Tuesday against the Toronto Raptors (16-30).