After losing in the play-in tournament and missing the playoffs, it's fair to expect the Chicago Bulls will be forced to make some sort of roster change this offseason.
One of the biggest questions for the franchise concerns arguably its most valuable asset: Zach LaVine.
Ahead of next week's NBA draft, the Bulls have made it clear they are open to business and, perhaps more importantly, are open to moving LaVine.
In fact, Bulls vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas had fielded “as many as 15 proposals” around the league that would have included LaVine as part of a package, according to Bulls insider KC Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago, with the proposals primarily sent to the Sacramento Kings, Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers.
Getting LaVine out of his contract, which is worth more than $43 million next season, would allow the Bulls to re-sign DeMar DeRozan and Patrick Williams and add a first-round draft pick to the roster without touching the luxury tax, but paying that high tax would be tough for Chicago's front office to stomach after the team's disappointing performance last season.
LaVine is under contract to make nearly $43 million and $46 million, respectively, for the next two seasons and has a player option that could make him nearly $49 million in 2026-27.
The Bulls want DeRozan and Williams back, likely in exchange for LaVine, and it remains to be seen whether other teams will match Chicago's requested fee.
