The Bulls continue to explore the trade market.
Between now and the February 8 trade deadline, rumors and discussions about Chicago Bulls winger Zach LaVine are expected to heat up. As one of the league’s most skilled and exciting players, LaVine has been on the radar of numerous clubs wanting to improve their rosters.
According to people familiar with the issue, Kevin Huerter and Harrison Barnes have surfaced as potential trade partners for LaVine.
Bulls interested in Huerter?
According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the Bulls have expressed a “level of interest” in the player known as “Red Velvet,” who has struggled this season. After averaging a career-high 15.2 points per game last season, the sixth-year veteran is now averaging 9.5 points per game and shooting 33 percent from deep range.
Meanwhile, Barnes, a 12-year veteran, provides consistency and leadership to whichever squad he joins. The small forward has been a reliable player throughout his career, averaging double digits in all but two seasons. He also has playoff experience, having won the title with the Golden State Warriors in 2015.
Tricky deal to make
Trading LaVine has proven hard. Teams have struggled to close a deal with him due to his production and pay.
“The Bulls would likely need significant additions to any LaVine trade centered on Huerter and Barnes. Huerter is only in the second season of a four-year, $65 million deal, and there are too many quality shooters in the NBA at this point to justify paying more than $16 million a year to a shoot-first player not even making a third of his threes,” Tyler Conway of Bleacher Report wrote.
“LaVine’s contract, which runs through 2026-27 and pays him more than $40 million a year, is the biggest obstacle in the Bulls exploring his trade market. However, having one overpaid borderline All-Star is better than two overpaid role players,” Conway continued.
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