NBA Trade Rumors: Bulls reignite Zach LaVine trade possibilities with Western Conference rivals

It was reported toward the end of November that the Chicago Bulls were exploring trade options for Nikola Vuvevic and Zach LaVine. While it seems like the market remains cold for both players, that does not mean the Bulls have not taken the initiative to reach out to potential trade partners.

According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times in an article published on Saturday, the Bulls front office has spoken with the Denver Nuggets regarding a LaVine trade. The discussions reportedly did not gain much traction and have stalled.

Cowley also wrote that the LA Lakers were a potential partner but talks remained fruitless since the pieces weren't right. After the Lakers traded D'Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets on Dec. 29, a trade between LA and Chicago for LaVine has become even more difficult.

While a LaVine trade to the Lakers isn't completely out of the picture, it seems highly unlikely. They will have to give up several players, including Rui Hachimura and Gabe Vincent, to meet salary cap requirements.

An easier path to acquire LaVine would be to involve a third or maybe even a fourth team. However, finding the right partners and the right pieces to pull this off is tricky and could prove to be a distraction for the Lakers.

Meanwhile, a trade with the Nuggets will also have to involve several pieces. However, this situation might run into complications as well.

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The Chicago Bulls' reluctance to take another player has caused a snag in trade talks for Zach LaVine

For the Bulls to trade Zach LaVine to the Denver Nuggets, Michael Porter Jr. has to be involved. Due to salary cap requirements, Porter Jr. alone would not be enough.

The Nuggets would also have to package a second player, and they reportedly want to include Zeke Nnaji. This trade can be completed before the trade deadline as the salaries match. However, the Bulls aren't willing to pull the trigger.

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Bulls do not want to take on Nnaji's contract. The Bulls could just send Nnaji elsewhere in another trade but they reportedly aren't willing to use more assets just to move him.

Scotto's report on Dec. 31 included that there are some questions on whether a backcourt tandem of LaVine and Jamal Murray could work.

LaVine continues to produce All-Star-level numbers. He is averaging 23.6 points on 51.8% shooting, including 44.4% from the 3-point line, along with 4.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game. However, he also has a hefty contract.

He signed a five-year $215 million supermax extension in 2022. The fifth and final year of the contract, for the 2026-27 season, carries a player option. If he is traded this season but does not like where he lands, he could be a free agent by the summer of 2026.