Zach LaVine makes opinion clear on getting traded in courtside interaction with fan 

Amid escalating trade rumors, Chicago Bulls star shooting guard Zach LaVine provided Bulls fans further insight into his preferred destination. According to the two-time All-Star, he would like to remain with Chicago and honor his maximum contract.

LaVine has regularly featured in the rumor mill over the past few seasons. However, the oft-injured star's massive contract has reportedly deterred opposing teams, with several league insiders dubbing him "untradeable."

The 11-year veteran signed a five-year, $215.2 million max deal in 2022, which includes a player option for the 2026-27 season. He is coming off a campaign in which he was limited to only 25 appearances after undergoing season-ending right foot surgery in early February.

However, LaVine has bounced back this season. Through 17 outings, he is averaging a team-best 21.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 3.1 3-pointers per game, shooting a career-high 51.0%.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times' Joe Cowley's Monday report, the Bulls want to sell high on LaVine and his veteran co-star Nikola Vucevic.

During Tuesday's 127-108 road win over the Washington Wizards, a fan sitting courtside asked LaVine where he was getting traded, suggesting the LA Lakers. Instead, the star wing underscored his commitment to Chicago.

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"I signed here, brother. I love Chicago," LaVine said.

Nevertheless, the Bulls are off to a subpar 8-12 start and appear on track to miss the playoffs for the third consecutive season. So, if the franchise can recoup future assets for LaVine and Vucevic, and boost its draft lottery odds, it will likely do so.

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Zach LaVine embracing veteran leadership role on young Bulls squad

During a Monday interview with Yahoo Sports, Zach LaVine also touched on his continued involvement in trade rumors. He emphasized his contentment with his situation despite Chicago's struggles.

LaVine noted that he has embraced being a veteran leader for his young Bulls teammates and is willing to help his squad in any way.

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"I'm in a good place, and I feel sharp right now," LaVine said. "Being able to be one of the veteran guys on the team, and still being able to do what I do. Help win in any way I can. Defense one day, facilitating, whatever they call for."

LaVine's loyalty to the organization should further endear him to Chicagoans. However, if he stays healthy and maintains elite shooting efficiency, that should boost his trade value ahead of the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline.

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