LaVine on Trade Rumors: 'If You're Not at That Level, They Wouldn't Talk About You'

Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine knows that part of being included in trade rumors means there are other teams interested in your production.

"People are supposed to talk about you, have opinions about you," LaVine said after Friday's win over the Washington Wizards, per Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times. "If you're not at that level, they wouldn't talk about you at all. I've done a better job this year of just canceling out a lot of the noise."

LaVine has been no stranger to trade rumors this season, which isn't exactly surprising.

After all, he is under contract through next season with a player option for the 2026-27 campaign. The Bulls likely aren't going to be a legitimate contender in that window given their roster makeup and sit in 10th place in the Eastern Conference standings with an 18-20 record.

They could be well on their way to a third consecutive play-in tournament appearance if they don't make any changes, which isn't exactly inspiring for a major-market franchise with a rich history.

Trading LaVine for younger players or even draft assets could facilitate something of a rebuild and roster reset, especially for a team that doesn't look the part of a threat in the Eastern Conference this season.

For his part, the veteran is averaging 23.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game while shooting 51.8 percent from the field and 44.4 percent from deep.

Both shooting percentages would be career-high marks and surely catch the eye of contending teams looking for more offensive production. While his contract that is set to pay him $46 million in base salary next season alone is a hefty one, shooting like that alongside another star in key playoff moments could make a trade worthwhile for a team with realistic championship aspirations.

The rumors are likely only going to get louder as the Feb. 6 trade deadline approaches, but LaVine is looking at them from a positive perspective as he continues to play at a high level.