According to NBA reporter Jamal Collier of ESPN, Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan flew to Los Angeles in July to meet with Zach LaVine.
LaVine and Donovan are believed to not have a good relationship.
“Donovan, meanwhile, believes he’s been trying to get LaVine to buy in to a more team-friendly playing style, according to sources, emphasizing the way the Bulls competed in LaVine’s absence last year as evidence for the team’s potential if LaVine fits within the system,” Collier reported. “Donovan flew to Los Angeles for a few days in July to spend time with LaVine and continue to invest in their relationship, the feedback from which was positive, per sources.”
LaVine and the Bulls want to part ways, but Chicago hasn’t found a taker for the guard due to his injury history and contract.
A two-time All-Star, LaVine averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.3 blocks in 2023-24 while shooting 45.2% from the field, 34.9% from beyond the arc and 85.4% from the free-throw line.
LaVine played in only 25 games this past season. He underwent season-ending right foot surgery in February, a move the Bulls were not happy with.
“LaVine also annoyed the organization with his decision to have season-ending surgery in February — a decision the Bulls were sure to note in a news release was a route chosen by LaVine and his agent, Rich Paul, instead of rehabbing with hopes to play the rest of the season,’ Collier reported.
LaVine has career averages of 20.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.3 blocks with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Bulls. He has a 216-364 record in the NBA.
A UCLA product, LaVine signed a five-year, $215 million contract with the Bulls in July 2022.
A source told Hoops Wire that LaVine “would like” to get traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. LaVine, LeBron James and Anthony Davis have the same agent (Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group).
However, the Lakers are not expected to pursue a LaVine trade, sources said. LaVine’s trade value is essentially non-existent. He’s coming off surgery and has three years and $138 million left on his contract.
