With the 2025 NBA trade deadline just around the corner, activity is expected to pick up across the league. In Chicago, the Bulls are still actively seeking a new home for All-Star Zach LaVine and the latest intel suggests that at least two Western Conference teams have been involved in trade discussions at one point.
"Earlier in the year, the Bulls engaged with the Los Angeles Lakers, but those discussions ultimately went nowhere," wrote Sam Amico. "More recently, Chicago has held discussions with the Denver Nuggets about a potential LaVine deal, though those talks have stalled, Cowley reported, citing sources. While not entirely dead, there hasn’t been significant movement in that direction either."
LaVine, 29, is a 10-year NBA veteran best known for his elite athleticism and isolation scoring. He's been a key figure for the Bulls over the past few years, making 2 All-Star teams during his 8-year tenure so far. This season, through 33 games, LaVine is averaging 23.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists on 51.8% shooting.
The elite-level play has come despite ongoing rumors for LaVine, who requested a trade from the franchise last year. As the Bulls have struggled to win games consistently, frustration mounted to the point where the players started to turn on each other. As arguably the biggest scapegoat, LaVine grew tired of the pressure and both sides came to believe they'd be better off apart.
Over the past few months, the Bulls have seemingly tried to trade LaVine to any interested team but with limited interest, it seems that only now are we seeing some traction in the negotiations.
Starting with the Los Angeles Lakers, it makes sense why they'd be interested in LaVine. While they failed to strike a deal earlier in the season, they could always revisit the subject before February's deadline when both teams have a better understanding of the market.
While Zach has been criticized for his lapses on defense, his shooting and scoring talents would provide a major offensive boost to the Lakers. At the very least, LaVine's ability to score will ease the burden off LeBron James to carry the Lakers every game.
Rob Pelinka is sure to look for more efficient and less expensive options for his team, but LaVine would not be a bad addition at all given all that he brings to the table.
The Denver Nuggets are likely the most recent team to inquire about LaVine and it would be somewhat surprising if they traded for him. The Nuggets typically don't like to take major risks and giving up your assets for a guy like LaVine is certainly a risky move.
Alongside Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, LaVine could be that third scorer that the Nuggets have always wanted. His versatility and consistency on the perimeter would help stabilize this season for the Nuggets and cement their place among the top six in the West.
As the trade deadline approaches, more and more teams will likely take an interest in LaVine but nobody should be surprised if he ends up in Denver or Los Angeles. Despite his flaws, Zach's skills as a scorer and ball handler are useful in almost all situations on the court and his impact may be enough to help make or break a team's season.
