Report: LaVine, Bulls increasingly open to trade

Zach LaVine might be leaving Chicago soon.

The Bulls and the franchise star are showing "increased openness" to a potential trade, league sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania. NBA teams have been monitoring the two-time All-Star's availability, according to Charania.

LaVine is averaging 21.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and three assists over 11 games this season. Chicago has struggled out of the gate and sits 12th in the Eastern Conference with a 4-7 record. The Bulls rank 20th in offensive rating and 22nd in defensive rating.

The Bulls had exploratory trade conversations about LaVine in the offseason, according to K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago. The 28-year-old is in the second season of a five-year, $215-million contract. He holds a player option for the 2026-27 campaign worth $48.9 million, according to Spotrac.

The former UCLA guard is in his seventh season with the franchise and has averaged 24.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists during his tenure.

Chicago would also like to re-sign veteran DeMar DeRozan, but the two sides haven't come together on the terms of an extension, and the 34-year-old wants to see how the team plays before inking a new deal, as Charania previously reported.

The Bulls play the Orlando Magic on Wednesday.