Zach LaVine is ready to turn over a new leaf with the Chicago Bulls after over a year of trade rumors regarding his future with the franchise. The Athletic's Darnell Mayberry has revealed that LaVine is trying to repair his relationship with the Bulls by actively engaging in team activities ahead of the start of training camp next week.
"In preparation for the start of next week’s training camp, LaVine has been a willing participant in team activities, according to team sources. He joined the majority of his teammates in Miami last month for a player-organized minicamp. For two days, a team source said, LaVine played pick-up games and began the process of building chemistry in Florida before having to return to his home in California for personal reasons."
"LaVine reported to Chicago earlier this month, along with the majority of the Bulls roster. An unofficial second minicamp ensued inside the Advocate Center. LaVine didn’t have to report until next week when training camp opens Tuesday, but he again displayed his intention to buy into what the new-look Bulls are doing."
LaVine reportedly demanded a trade midway through last season but a variety of factors led to a dry market, which hasn't changed in the summer. He averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists last year, a down year for the swingman who was dissatisfied with the franchise as well as his place on it.
With a trade looking unlikely, LaVine is buying into what the Bulls are doing to not only help them prosper in the short term but also change his perception around the NBA to be viewed as a team-oriented leader.
Zach LaVine Was Slammed By An Anonymous Bulls Representative This Summer
LaVine hasn't had a great summer. He last played in February 2024 ahead of the trade deadline and has had no opportunities to be viewed in a positive light as the Bulls start to tear down their roster by trading Alex Caruso and DeMar DeRozan away. Players like LaVine and Nikola Vucevic have no trade market, prompting them to stay with the squad and hopefully rehabilitate their careers this season.
Even with Vucevic's defensive concerns, he's a well-liked veteran in the NBA. The same can't be said about LaVine, who was slammed by an anonymous Bulls representative earlier this summer, according to ESPN.
"He's never won, he's done it his way the whole way and never won," said the source, via ESPN. "If he's interested in winning, he'll do what's asked of him. And if he's motivated to not be here, one way is to come, be compliant, and be who he is."
It looks like LaVine's new attitude heading into next season is influenced by that last comment. He's come into this season by doing what is expected of him as a tenured veteran on the squad. Even if his end goal is still a trade, this positive attitude would make it easier for the Bulls to deal with him and make him a better asset to acquire for other teams.
