New Western Conference playoff team linked to Zach LaVine trade

Dec 7, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (8) warms up before an NBA game against the Washington Wizards at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Zach LaVine’s West Coast dreams may still be alive.

Matt Moore of Action Network reported this week that the Sacramento Kings have had calls with the Chicago Bulls involving the two-time All-Star guard LaVine. Fellow Chicago guard Alex Caruso has also been a subject of those calls, Moore adds. Meanwhile, Sacramento is reported to be offering Harrison Barnes, Kevin Huerter, and draft pick compensation as part of more general offseason trade packages.

LaVine, who is in his prime right now at 29 years old, is entering the third year of a five-year, $215.2 million contract with the Bulls. But he did have a noticeably down season in 2023-24, posting 19.5 points and 3.9 assists per game (his lowest marks since 2017-18) and seeing his year end in February due to right foot surgery.

Still, LaVine (as well as the two-time All-Defensive selection Caruso for that matter) is a prime trade chip for the Bulls, who remain stuck in limbo after just posting their second straight sub-.500 season. As for the Kings, who finished 46-36 this season, they do need more backcourt depth alongside De’Aaron Fox, especially since Malik Monk is a free agent this offseason. Though it remains to be seen if a package of Barnes, Huerter, and picks would be enough to move the Bulls, it does seem like Chicago is getting more desperate to trade LaVine by the day.