NBA Trade Rumors: Zach Lavine's potential partnership with 3x MVP hits roadblock

Chicago Bulls forward Zach Lavine has been heavily linked to the Denver Nuggets this trade season. However, the potential partnership between him and Nuggets' three-time MVP Nikola Jokic appears to have hit a roadblock.

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Chicago Bulls are open to the trade in a package that involves Michael Porter Jr. However, the Bulls are unwilling to involve the Nuggets' Zeke Nnaji in the deal due to his four-year, $32 million contract.

"There’s been growing pessimism that Chicago Bulls two-time All-Star Zach LaVine would be traded to the Denver Nuggets in a package for Michael Porter Jr., league sources told HoopsHype," Scotto wrote on HoopsHype.

"Chicago doesn’t want to absorb Zeke Nnaji’s four-year, $32 million contract and would need to offload him to a third team, such as the Detroit Pistons, who have $14 million in cap space going into the trade deadline to be a third party facilitator in trades to acquire future draft capital."

Details of the trade rumors were first reported by Sam Amick and Tony Jones of The Athletic on Dec. 17:

“League sources say the focus on LaVine in recent discussions is significant ... LaVine, a two-time All-Star, is owed $43 million this season, $45.9 million next season and has a player option worth $48.9 million for the 2026-27 campaign.”

The trade makes sense to the Denver Nuggets, who have started the season slowly. The addition of Zach Lavine could take the pressure off Jamal Murray as well as provide another offensive threat alongside Jokic.

Lavine is averaging 22.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game for the Chicago Bulls this season.

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What's next for Zach Lavine this trade season?

Zach Lavine is also attracting interest from the Sacramento Kings. The Kings are looking to get their 2024-25 season back on track following the firing of Sacramento coach Mike Brown.

NBA: Sacramento Kings at Chicago Bulls - Source: Imagn

Lavine's deal that appears to have hit a roadblock might see him eventually go to the Kings. However, he's an expensive option as he is owed $45.9 million next season and has a $48.9 million player option for the 2026-27 campaign.