Chicago Sun-Times’ Joe Cowley just released a weekly recap before Friday’s open trade market for many players in Zach LaVine’s position. He and other stars around the league will become eligible for trade two days from now, but the Bulls may find it harder to find a suitor than ever before. LaVine’s value has decreased as this season has gone on, and now sidelined with a lingering foot injury, his price may be at an all-time low. Remember, Chicago decided against dealing their two-time All-Star each of the last two trade deadlines and again shot down multiple offers this summer. One relationship in particular is beyond repair, according to Cowley, and it might end in one of them being shown the door.
Billy Donovan And Zach LaVine On Different Pages
Bulls’ head coach Billy Donovan and his star guard Zach LaVine have seen similar scrutiny and growing pains in Chicago. Whether from the fans, the organization, the roster, or the media, each has seen its share of the blame and fought off many questions regarding the lack of success in the Windy City. With a tandem record of below .500 and one lone playoff win to boast between them, it’s deserved that they’re constantly criticized for the failure to bring a winning culture to Chicago.
There were reports earlier this season that LaVine has still not gotten past Donovan’s decision to bench him in a game before in 2022, where he was 1-for-14 from the field before being benched down the stretch of a 108-107 loss to Orlando. LaVine publicly said he disagreed with the decision, and their relationship has been tainted ever since. Donovan has never expressed an ill word against his star guard and has constantly praised his willingness to do anything to help the team win. In contrast, LaVine has snuck in comments that leave many to believe he’s got an issue with the coaching staff or Donovan in particular.
Bulls Reborn Since LaVine’s Injury
Everyone has been scared to say it, but the Chicago Bulls look like a much better team without Zach LaVine. 4-2 over their last six games since his absence, with their only losses coming to the reigning champion Denver Nuggets and the Milwaukee Bucks in overtime, this is a new team. With Coby White at the helm, DeMar DeRozan turning into a facilitating savvy veteran who comes alive in the fourth, and Nikola Vucevic driving the offense from the middle, this team looks dangerous. Chicago’s assist numbers, overall scoring numbers, and offensive and defensive ratings are up since their star guard last played. It’s becoming clear where the problems stemmed from for the Bulls.
How long does Chicago’s hot stretch need to last to prove to the front office that it is time to move on from LaVine, and what can they expect for a return for their diminishing asset? Sidelined with an injury, alongside an infamously terrible contract attached to him, a ball-dominant scoring guard with five games worth of postseason experience, his value has never been lower. Solely not having any non-egregious trade offers may keep LaVine in Chicago for now.
The best-case scenario for the Bulls is that he gets back to his typical scoring ways, can regain his stroke from three-point territory, and turns into a highly-priced asset at the trade deadline in February to a contending roster seeking outside shooting.
