Blazers not interested in Zach LaVine
PHLY_Sports’ Kyle Neubeck upped the ante late Wednesday by saying on his outlet’s podcast that the Bulls “might be trying to move LaVine as part of a multi-team deal just to see if they can get into the Lillard sweepstakes.” Multiple league sources indicated throughout the offseason that the Trail Blazers showed little interest in acquiring LaVine directly, mostly because he doesn’t match their rebuilding path and commitment to a young backcourt of Scoot Henderson and Anfernee Simons.
Source: Twitter @KellyIko
Source: Twitter @KellyIko
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Mike McGraw @McGrawDHSports
Regarding the #Bulls-Lillard rumors, don’t get your hopes up. If Lillard had 2 years left on his deal, maybe you think about offering LaVine and seeing what happens.
But Lillard has 4 yrs left, same as LaVine, & is owed $38 million more than LaVine, including $63.2 mil in ’26-27 – 8:25 PM
Regarding the #Bulls-Lillard rumors, don’t get your hopes up. If Lillard had 2 years left on his deal, maybe you think about offering LaVine and seeing what happens.
But Lillard has 4 yrs left, same as LaVine, & is owed $38 million more than LaVine, including $63.2 mil in ’26-27 – 8:25 PM
More on this storyline
Clutch Points: Tyler Herro was in the gym with Jayson Tatum and Zach LaVine today 🔥 (via @raf_tyler / IG) pic.twitter.com/l1oZ35XlYN -via Twitter @ClutchPointsApp / September 1, 2023
And yet, the staying power of this current Bulls iteration remains curious, despite the starting center’s newfound security. Chicago checked the temperature on Zach LaVine’s market throughout this offseason, league sources told Yahoo Sports. DeMar DeRozan is entering the final season of a three-year, $82 million deal. Patrick Williams, the bouncy forward the Bulls selected No. 4 in 2020, is entering the last year of his rookie contract. Although Chicago’s front office, and Vučević as well, remain bullish the versatile 22-year-old can flourish this upcoming season. “We know we can do better, and we have to do better,” Vučević said. “And we know it’s kind of our last chance as this core of guys to do something.” -via Yahoo! Sports / August 31, 2023
Craig admitted he arrives flush with confidence, particularly after playing so well in the Suns’ first-round playoff victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. He said the Bulls “definitely” have playoff potential. “Winning and playing at a high level it definitely translates. I’m going to ride that confidence here,” Craig said. “Everybody knows two of the most talented scorers on the team with LaVine and DeRozan. Once those guys get it going, it’s pretty much a wrap. As a defender, I can give those guys tips and advice on what teams want to do and how they want to guard them and the insight I had playing against those guys to give them any edge they need.” -via NBC Sports Chicago / August 21, 2023