Bulls looking to attach picks acquired in DeMar DeRozan sign and trade to move for Zach LaVine: Reports
The Chicago Bulls continue to look for suitors for Zach LaVine. After their latest trade move saw franchise superstar DeMar DeRozan head to the West to join the Sacramento Kings, latest reports suggest the Bulls are attaching two second-round picks in a potential LaVine trade to offload his contract.
In his latest for the Chicago-Sun Times, Joe Cowley wrote that Chicago remains active in trade talks for the guard whose massive contract and injury history have been considered factors behind the league-wide lack of interest.
LaVine has found no suitors, although a few teams were linked to the former All-Star, including the LA Lakers. Cowley said the Bulls' front office is looking to attach the two second-round picks acquired in the DeRozan deal with hopes of making a trade.
DeRozan's trade netted the Bulls Chris Duarte and two second-round picks. This was their second major move this summer after Alex Caruso was traded to the OKC Thunder for Josh Giddey. With the rebuild in progress, the priority move is to land new talent for Zach LaVine.
"Zach LaVine has been the ultimate professional": Bulls guard's agent Rich Paul hits back at critics amid trade rumors
Earlier this month, Zach LaVine's agent Rich Paul stressed that his client "deserves better" as he addressed the reported strained relationship between the player and the Chicago Bulls. Speaking to NBC Sports' KC Johnson, he said:
"I want to make this clean and clear: This whole idea that Zach has been anything but professional in this situation is false. This guy has played hurt. He has represented the franchise with class. A lot has taken place during his time with the Bulls and he's taken the high road every time.
"Does every player get frustrated at times? Yes. But Zach has been the ultimate professional and deserves better. The Bulls have a business to do. And we're letting them handle their business," Paul added.
Chris Paul's comments come on the back of Cowley's report that a league insider had said the working relationship between LaVine and the Bulls was "filled with mistrust".
Both parties have made headlines in trade talks since last year December, and so far, LaVine is yet to find a new home. There are rumors and mock trades that link the guards to his hometown team Lakers, but there is still nothing concrete.
Only time will tell what the future has in store for Zach LaVine.