Arturas Karnisovas on potential Zach LaVine trade: We’re not going to make deals that are not going to make us better
In other words, don’t rule out a Zach LaVine trade. But with league-wide demand for LaVine hitting a dead end, evidenced by the passing of each day, the Bulls’ expectation of LaVine still being with the team when next season begins reinforces the reality that Chicago has been unable to find a suitable deal. “We’re not going to make deals that are not going to make us better,” Karnišovas said. “We’re going to be patient with that. But I think we’re far away from a finished product now.”
Source: New York Times
Source: New York Times
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Darnell Mayberry @DarnellMayberry
Why haven’t the Bulls traded Zach LaVine? nytimes.com/athletic/56385… – 12:01 PM
Why haven’t the Bulls traded Zach LaVine? nytimes.com/athletic/56385… – 12:01 PM
Evan Sidery @esidery
Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic have generated zero trade market for the Bulls, per @JCowleyHoops (chicago.suntimes.com/bulls/2024/07/…).
Both veterans are projected to block playing time for young players Chicago wants to get consistent minutes.
Chicago’s pick next year is top-10 protected. pic.twitter.com/TkorERToJ2 – 8:22 PM
Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic have generated zero trade market for the Bulls, per @JCowleyHoops (chicago.suntimes.com/bulls/2024/07/…).
Both veterans are projected to block playing time for young players Chicago wants to get consistent minutes.
Chicago’s pick next year is top-10 protected. pic.twitter.com/TkorERToJ2 – 8:22 PM
Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Chicago Bulls have no trade market for LaVine and Vucevic sportando.basketball/en/chicago-bul… – 1:26 PM
Chicago Bulls have no trade market for LaVine and Vucevic sportando.basketball/en/chicago-bul… – 1:26 PM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Even AFTER his raise via the extension, Jalen Brunson will still make less than $35 million next season and won’t crack the top-40 highest paid players in the NBA.
The following players will make more than Brunson next season:
Bradley Beal
Kawhi Leonard
Zach LaVine
Fred VanVleet – 5:34 PM
Even AFTER his raise via the extension, Jalen Brunson will still make less than $35 million next season and won’t crack the top-40 highest paid players in the NBA.
The following players will make more than Brunson next season:
Bradley Beal
Kawhi Leonard
Zach LaVine
Fred VanVleet – 5:34 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Zach LaVine single-digit scoring games
2020-2023 seasons: 3 in 206 games
2023-24 season: 4 in 25 games – 4:59 PM
Zach LaVine single-digit scoring games
2020-2023 seasons: 3 in 206 games
2023-24 season: 4 in 25 games – 4:59 PM
More on this storyline
LaVine has healed from right foot surgery, overcoming an injury that plagued him throughout last season before limiting him to 25 contests. Karnišovas, a former Seton Hall standout and Lithuanian national team member, expressed empathy for LaVine’s trying season, saying much of LaVine’s early struggles last season stemmed from an injured foot he did everything he could to play through. “Not being healthy and not being able to perform I think was very frustrating,” Karnišovas said. “And I think now he feels 100 percent.” -via New York Times / July 15, 2024
Despite operating with LaVine at the center of trade chatter for the past several seasons and with noise that has grown louder this summer, the Bulls are bracing for LaVine’s return. “I think he can help this group next year,” Karnišovas said. -via New York Times / July 15, 2024
As of now, little trade market exists for LaVine, who has fully recovered from his foot surgery in March and is having a normal offseason. And it’s clear that attaching an asset just for the sake of moving him wouldn’t be consistent with the new direction management has chosen. “We expect Zach being fully healthy. And he is healthy. I think he can help this group next year. He’s been professional,” Karnišovas said. “Again, he’s healthy. We expect him to be with us at the start of training camp.” -via NBC Sports Chicago / July 15, 2024