GM: Butler trade doesn’t mean Fultz faith fading

Both the Chicago Bulls and Zach LaVine have been interested in parting ways via trade for at least one calendar year, but the size of his contract in a new more restrictive CBA environment coupled with his injury history and good but not All-Star level production has made finding an interested team challenging. LaVine has had a bounce back season with 22.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 33.3 minutes over 22 games, but it has not helped spark interest on the trade market.

“He’s having an excellent year. We know he’s been on the trade block for a year now, at least,” said Brian Windhorst on Monday’s episode of The Hoop Collective Podcast. “Yet, I hear nothing about LaVine on the trade market. I don’t think it’s because the Bulls aren’t interested in trading him. Despite playing this well…”

“With this new CBA and all the dorky apron stuff, moving a guy with a big contract midseason is going to be tough,” replied Tim MacMahon.

“It’s tough to trade a guy making more than $40 million, period,” interjected Tim Bontemps. “The barrier to do that is very high and Zach LaVine does not meet it.”

“$43 million this year, $46 million next year. $49 million in 26-27, which is a player option and I would heavily wager on him taking that,” added Windhorst.

“Over $135 million over the next three years,” Bontemps said.

“I’m just saying Zach LaVine is playing well enough to be traded and if this was two years ago, not just with his contract but I think he would have a good chance to be traded. We’ll see, we have two months left,” said Windhorst.

“Two years ago, the Mavericks tried to trade for him before they got Kyrie and the Bulls weren’t interested,” said MacMahon.

“I’m just saying he had a great game today and he’s having a great season, I’m hearing nothing.”