The Knicks and the Bulls have discussed potentially trading Zach LaVine to New York, which would likely lead Chicago down the path of rebuilding their franchise. The discussion continued leading up to the draft, but the momentum started to die down.
According to the New York Daily News, while trade talks were held between the two teams, Zach LaVine's hidden relationship with the Knicks front office was likely the cause of stopping any potential trade agreement from happening.
"The Bulls are reportedly gauging interest in the All-Star guard, which prompted speculation that the Knicks — who are strapped with future draft assets — would get involved. But a source said the LaVine camp isn’t interested in dealing with the Knicks, who have a reputation around the league of favoring clients of CAA, the agency that employed Leon Rose before his move to the Knicks front office." - Stefan bondy
Zach LaVine's Agency Background
Zach LaVine is represented by Klutch Sports, which Rich Paul runs. Before creating Klutch Sports in 2012 with LeBron James, Creative Artist Agency (CAA) was representing LeBron James. Guess who was in charge of CAA when LeBron James left for Rich Paul? It was Leon Rose, the Knicks' current General Manager. Rose worked at CAA and represented the Heat's Big Three of Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and LeBron James.
Around 11 years later, Rich Paul has a bad relationship with Leon Rose. Rich Paul represents Zach LaVine. Leon Rose does not want to participate in LaVine, nor does Rich Paul wish to deal with the new Knicks front office.
It has much less to do with the players or salary cap; this particular reason is solely focused on agency wars that took away the biggest draw in basketball history, after Michael Jordan, from CAA.
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