As is Bulls Continue exploring potential business markets Zach LaVine Deal, Agent Rich Paul Casey Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago writes that he wants to point out that his client is handling the situation professionally and is not agitating for any move or raising any objections to the team's actions.
“Let me make this clear: The whole idea that Jack has been anything but professional in this situation is false,” Paul told Johnson over the phone. “This guy has played through injury. He's represented the franchise well. A lot has happened during his tenure with the Bulls and he's taken the high road every time. Does every player get frustrated sometimes? Yes. But Zac has been a consummate professional and deserves better. The Bulls have a job to do. And we're letting them do their job.”
LaVine's trade value is at an all-time low, primarily because of his contract — the three years and $138MM left on his deal seem especially burdensome in the NBA's tax apron era. He's also recovering from foot surgery that ended his season in January, but Johnson reported that LaVine is healthy and going through his normal offseason routine after beating the estimated four-to-six-month recovery timeline following his procedure.
The Bulls have presented “more than 15” LaVine trade proposals to various teams this offseason, according to Johnson, who has heard that Kings And Golden State has shown the most interest in the two-time All-Star. Warrior's' Imminent additions De'Anthony Melton, Buddy HieldAnd Kyle Anderson Johnson acknowledged this is possibly a sign they are going in a different direction.
Here's more from the Eastern Conference:
- Speaking to Gina Mizell of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Sixes guard Tyrese Maxey He said management is “doing a good job so far” in free agency and adding players who will help the team win, and he was pleased that his willingness to wait a year for his own long-term contract helped Philadelphia open up enough cap room to land him. Paul George, “When we talked about this last year, it was a matter of trust,” Maxi said. “I trusted (the front office), and I think it's worked out for us so far. It's a great deal. I wasn't too worried about it.”
- Rumours continue to swirl about a possible return to Europe Sasha VezenkovAccording to Michalis Stefanou of Eurohoops, Vezenkov and his former EuroLeague team Olympiacos have agreed in principle on a lucrative long-term deal, but the 28-year-old forward is still under contract. Raptors (with a $6.66MM cap hit in 2024/25), so his return to Greece will likely be contingent on negotiating a buyout with Toronto. Recent reporting indicates the Raptors expect Vezenkov to be in camp with them in the fall.
- since they agreed on a preliminary version of this Mikal Bridges last week trade Nix There were demands to expand it, making it clear that Net Fred Katz of The Athletic writes that they will eventually come back with more details. Now that New York has amended the Bridges deal to ensure that its hard cap is on the second apron instead of the first, Katz considers what's next for the team, suggesting that a re-signing Precious Achiuwa And it should be possible to add another player using the taxpayer mid-level exception, assuming Achiuwa's price is modest enough.
- moving forward on the news that Box have agreed to sign Taurian PrinceEric Nehm of The Athletic reflected on what the veteran forward would bring to Milwaukee, believing Prince appears to be a good fit for the team and should play regularly next season.