Zach LaVine Rumors: 'Pessimism' Bulls Would Trade SG to Nuggets for MPJ Package

There is "growing pessimism" that Chicago Bulls would be willing to trade star shooting guard Zach LaVine to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for a a package built around Michael Porter Jr., according to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto.

Per Scotto, Chicago "doesn't want to absorb" the four-year, $32 million contract of Nuggets forward Zeke Nnaji as part of the potential deal and the Bulls also aren't interested in using additional assets to flip Nnaji to a third team.

Tony Jones and Sam Amick of The Athletic reported on Dec. 17 that Denver put "significant" focus on landing LaVine.

The Nuggets are currently above the first apron and can't take back more salary than they send out in a trade, meaning that they'd need to add to Porter's $35.8 million salary in order to match LaVine's 2024-25 salary of $43 million. Nnaji fits the bill, but Chicago doesn't appear interested in the remaining three years of his contract.

Scotto noted on Tuesday that there are also "internal questions" surrounding LaVine's fit next to Jamal Murray in Denver's backcourt.

The Nuggets have opened the year with a modest 18-13 record, a relatively slow start after coming off 57 wins last season. They could approach the trade deadline in search of an offensive option to take pressure off Murray and superstar Nikola Jokić, making it easy to see why they'd be interested in LaVine.

In 28 starts with the Bulls this season, he's averaging 22.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game on 49.9/44.7/81.4 shooting splits.

LaVine's defense next to Murray could be a concern, as Denver already ranks No. 19 in defensive rating to open its 2024-25 campaign (via NBA.com).

The Nuggets and Bulls will have more time to work out a deal prior to the Feb. 6 deadline, but there seems to be a growing belief that an agreement involving LaVine and Porter may not be reached.