The Two Reasons why Zach Lavine can't be traded Revealed

"Two-time All-Star Zach LaVine has been on the trade block for several weeks. However, despite his widespread availability, there seems to be a lack of interest from teams at the moment.

Bulls Next Step

The Chicago Bulls initially positioned Lavine as their franchise cornerstone, signing him to a five-year, $215,000,000 deal. However, just over a year later, they have openly placed the dunk contest champion on the trading block.

The team's dismal start to the season prompted the acknowledgment that their current roster lacks competitiveness. Consequently, they've set plans in motion for a complete rebuild, starting with Lavine's potential trade.


While other stars like Demar Derozan, Alex Caruso, and Patrick Williams are reportedly drawing more interest, the Bulls are concentrating on Lavine. Arturas Karnisovas, the head decision-maker, is said to consider this task as his highest priority.

Low Interest in Lavine

With just over two months until the trade deadline, the impending Lavine trade is gaining momentum, drawing the attention of many NBA insiders. Adrian Wojnarowski, among these insiders, recently outlined the underlying reasons for the currently low interest.

One possible reason is Lavine's health concerns. He's expected to miss about a week of action due to a foot injury, adding to a string of absences this season. His inconsistent availability has deterred potential suitors.

Another factor contributing to the tepid interest is his substantial and lengthy contract. Lavine is set to earn around $45 million for the next few years, making him a high-priced asset to acquire. Tight salary cap restrictions further limit trade options.

Any team considering a trade for Lavine would likely require him to fill a primary or secondary role on their roster. Anything less than that might not justify his salary. Despite making two All-Star appearances in the last three seasons, he's currently experiencing his worst year in Chicago, averaging his lowest points as a Bull alongside a career-low 3-point shooting percentage.

"There is not a market for Zach LaVine right now."@wojespn with the latest on LaVine and the Bulls 👀 pic.twitter.com/r4stqcKkor— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 1, 2023

Will Lavine be traded

Although current interest in Lavine remains low, there's widespread belief that he'll likely be traded at some point during this season. With only a quarter of the season behind us, many teams haven't seen enough to commit to significant roster adjustments such as acquiring Lavine. However, as we approach the trade deadline and the playoffs draw nearer, the pressure mounts for several underachieving teams. Therefore, it's premature to rule out a trade just yet.

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CBS Sports