Zach LaVine Trade Rumors: 'Nothing Has Changed' with Bulls Star Ahead of Deadline

With Zach LaVine in the midst of the best start to a season of his career, the Chicago Bulls still aren't getting a lot of trade interest in the two-time All-Star.

One person close to the situation told ESPNs Brian Windhorst that "nothing has changed" regarding LaVine's status.

The biggest obstacle standing in the way of a deal is LaVine's contract. He is making $43 million this season, $46 million in 2025-26 and has a $49 million player option for 2026-27.

Under the new apron rules that make teams more cognizant of how much money they are spending, paying close to top-of-the-market salaries to a good-not-great player is tough to do.

Windhorst noted last week that there were likely to be fewer deals at the trade deadline because teams are being smarter about the types of deals they are willing to make.

NBA insider Jake Fischer reported in November that the Golden State Warriors internally discussed trading for LaVine last season, but they "do not presently have much interest."

LaVine has certainly helped his value across the league with his start to the season. He's averaging 22.1 points on 50.6 percent shooting, 4.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game in 22 starts.

The 22 games LaVine has played nearly matches his total from the 2023-24 season (25). If he can remain healthy and keep playing at this level, there's a chance a playoff contender will take a chance on him in a midseason trade.

As things currently stand, though, LaVine will look to continue helping the Bulls win games. Their 10-15 record entering play on Friday ranks 10th in the Eastern Conference.