Zach LaVine gives 4-word shoutout to agent Rich Paul amid amid trade buzz
Zach LaVine joined other celebrities and athletes in greeting, Rich Paul who turned 44 on Monday. The high-flying guard has been represented by the Klutch Sports CEO since 2021, so it wasn’t surprising for the Chicago Bulls star to be one of the big-name players who greeted LeBron James’ agent on his special day.
LaVine wrote on his Instagram story:
“More life my brother”
![Zach LaVine greets Rich Paul on Instagram. during his sports agent's 44th birthday celebration. [photo: @zachlavine8/IG]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/fb8cd-17344056755569-1920.jpg?w=500)
Paul’s IG post contained only one photo from his birthday celebration. He wrote a caption thanking the host and those who came to spend the special occasion with him. Most athletes Paul represented, likely due to scheduling conflicts, were content to send their birthday wishes on social media.
Zach LaVine and the Chicago Bulls were in Toronto on Monday for a matchup against the Raptors. The two-time All-Star did not suit up for his team because of a back issue but he cheered for his teammates. He couldn’t attend Paul’s birthday celebration so a greeting on Instagram had to do.
The Klutch Sports head and LaVine have been on the rumor mill since the offseason. Trade talks continue to hound the former slam dunk champ, particularly as he has been playing well this season. Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times reported on Sunday that the Bulls will continue "aggressively shopping" LaVine and other stars.
With the NBA's trade window remaining open until February, expect the two to be fixtures in trade rumors.
Zach LaVine will lean on Rich Paul in trade talks
The Chicago Bulls have reportedly been trying to trade Zach LaVine over the past two seasons. To move LaVine, Rich Paul would have to convince interested teams that his client is worth his remaining $137.8 million deal.
The shooting guard is in the books this year for $43 million before he gets another $45.9 million next season. LaVine is also expected to pick up his $48.9 million player option heading into the 2026-27 campaign.
Per Cowley's latest report, the possibility of trading LaVine this season is "more pipedream than reality" and it might take a significant injury for another team to create interest in LaVine.
After playing just 25 games last season due to an injury, LaVine is off to a strong start for the Bulls this season. He is averaging 21.7 points per game on 50.1% shooting, including 42.8% from deep. He adds 4.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists per contest to his contributions. The former Minnesota Timberwolves star has garnered interest, but his salary remains a thorny issue.
Paul is considered today’s most influential and powerful sports agent. Perhaps, he can work his magic to grease the wheels for a trade.