The NBA is still on its ongoing scrimmages and possible trade talks are already circulating regarding Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine.
Sources have leaked that the battered New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets are interested in acquiring the all-star guard.
From earlier: Knicks and Nets, SNY sources say, are among teams who have done background work on Zach LaVine and are monitoring his situation in Chicago in case LaVine asks the Bulls for a trade ahead of his free agency. More here: https://t.co/uMBljj3FF5
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) July 24, 2020
As per Ian Begley of SNY, it looks like both of these teams have done their research. Since the Chicago Bulls also had its history of instability, it looks like they are looking at a possibility of Zach LaVine wanting to get out of the Bulls.
LaVine averaged 25.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.5 steals last season for the Bulls. He also hit 38% of his 3-point attempts and 45% of his field goals overall.
The Chicago watch for New York begins
Since both the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets reside in the same city, it is going to be a tough negotiation between the two teams should LaVine be interested in leaving Chicago.
So far, there has been no news circulating coming from LaVine that he is asking for a trade. But the current narrative for both the Knicks and Nets is eyeing on the Chicago Bulls management if they will perform well.
The Chicago Bulls recently had a change in management putting Arturas Karnisovas as executive vice president as well as putting Marc Eversley as the new general manager.
With the other NBA teams not playing in the restart, including the Chicago Bulls, Karnisovas is already working on trying to improve the Bulls roster, including a bounce-back plan with Lauri Markkanen.
Zach LaVine also appreciated Karnisovas and Eversley reaching out to players as he added, per NBC Sports:
“Arturas reached out to me and I’ve had several conversations with him, him just checking in to see how we’re doing, having Zoom calls, text meetings. He has called me individually as well. Same with Marc.”
In addition, he also said the new management for being extremely involved in the players’ concerns. However, Zach LaVine’s heated relationship with head coach Jim Boylen might become a factor for him to possibly leave as ESPN reported.
Another star-studded free agency class is about to come
While most fans are ecstatic about the NBA coming back, it seems that they didn’t notice that free agency is also going to be interesting.
After the surprise move done by Kawhi Leonard and Paul George joining the Los Angeles Clippers, fans may need to prepare for another free agency drama.
The list of notable free agents next off-season includes Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Kawhi Leonard, and Victor Oladipo.
As for Zach LaVine, he would become a free agent in 2022. Aside from LaVine, players such as Paul George, Bradley Beal, Aaron Gordon, and Jrue Holiday would also be included in the free agency list for 2022.
Only time can tell if LaVine would stay with the Chicago Bulls if this new management is able to improve the Bulls’ record next season. If he does decide to leave, at least he knows that New York and Brooklyn are eyeing on him.
Featured image courtesy of NBA on ESPN/YouTube Screenshot