According to sources close to the situation, Arturas Karnisovas and the Chicago Bulls have communicated to other teams a willingness to engage in trade discussions involving Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, and Lonzo Ball. Together, LaVine, Vucevic, and Ball account for almost $85 million in salary this season.
“Arturas is strategically generating interest for all his players — he’s a savvy operator,” remarked an individual in the league familiar with the Bulls’ mindset. “Given their willingness to trade DeMar and Alex Caruso in the previous offseason, they are open to moving anyone.”
During last season’s trade deadline, the Bulls chose not to make any moves despite receiving offers from the Golden State Warriors for Alex Caruso involving multiple first-round picks, and from the Philadelphia 76ers for Andre Drummond involving multiple second-round picks. Ultimately, Caruso was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Josh Giddey, and Drummond joined the Sixers as a free agent.
The Bulls’ front office has historically been tasked by ownership with a mandate to secure a playoff spot each year, but this directive has shifted since the conclusion of the last season.
“That has been the expectation for three decades,” commented a player agent.
The Bulls are scheduled to meet with agents representing LaVine and Vucevic in December to discuss their approach to the upcoming trade deadline. Should the Bulls decide to trade any player, rival teams will likely request the inclusion of Dalen Terry and Julian Phillips in the deal.
LaVine’s trade market is currently limited, with previous interest from the Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors, and Detroit Pistons no longer being feasible destinations.
