Bulls Should "Brace" For This Underwhelming Outcome, Says K.C. Johnson

NBC Chicago's K.C. Johnson delivered a deafening blow to Bulls fans with his latest article. A crushing blow of reality, Johnson writes that while Bulls fans and Zach LaVine's camp may both desire a trade before this year's deadline, the most likely scenario is quite the opposite. While plenty of suitors have been named and hypothesized for the two-time All-Star guard, none have emerged with a genuine offer. Has LaVine's offer plummeted that low, and what does Chicago do this summer if he's still around?

Rumors Not Producing Traction

Bulls nation will have to do its best to navigate the rumors in the coming months, as seen by the past few weeks. As many as five teams have been reportedly interested in LaVine, with one offer surfacing, and Chicago proposed that to Cleveland. Despite various reports of the Lakers, 76ers, Knicks, Heat, and Kings being in play for the 28-year-old, the practicalities have yet to align on a deal.

As has been the message all season long, LaVine's value is fully depleted. Like Westbrook on the Lakers at last year's trade deadline, opposing teams are seeing an overpaid, underperforming player with an injury history and a disgruntled attitude. Getting off to the slowest start of his career this season, LaVine's selling points have become non-existent in trade talks. He is nearing his worst numbers in seven seasons with Chicago, has one playoff appearance, no All-NBA nods, and didn't receive a single All-Star vote last year.

Moving On This Summer

If a deal is not reached by the February 8th, 2024 trade deadline, Chicago will be forced to make a decision this summer. If this season results in another missed postseason or they fail to advance beyond the first round of the NBA Playoffs, that would mark seven seasons that LaVine has been with the Bulls, and only one playoff game won in that span. His only playoff appearance across his career saw a dip in production, further lowering his output. In the five-game series loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, LaVine averaged 19.3 points and 6.0 assists while only shooting 42.9% from the field and 37.5% from three-point land.

From the start of LaVine's tenure in Chicago, many fans were skeptical that he was nothing more than a pure scorer with incredible athleticism. This has become more evident over the last several years, especially alongside DeMar DeRozan. Considered one of the worst contracts in recent memory, LaVine is due north of $40 million for the next three seasons beyond 2023.

In his absence, Chicago has boasted a 6-3 record with several key pieces and young players seeing a massive uptick in production and efficiency. Many of their team numbers have improved without the ball-dominant guard on the floor. They've enjoyed a more gritty and hustle-based brand of basketball since losing LaVine for a month.