After a slow start to the season, the Milwaukee Bucks are 26-19 and own the No. 4 seed in the East just a week until the trade deadline. Though their roster looks poised for a playoff run as is, the Bucks are a team to monitor in the trade market. According to Chicago Bulls writer K.C. Johnson (YouTube link), the Bucks have interest in trading for Zach LaVine. However, Johnson also mentions that the only realistic way the Bucks get LaVine is if it is part of a multi-team deal involving Jimmy Butler.
“The only way I see Zach LaVine moved is if the Bulls somehow get in on a multi-team deal with this Jimmy Butler trade. That is the biggest domino out there for the entire league in advance of the February 6th NBA Trade Deadline. It’s very well-documented Jimmy Butler wants to go to the Phoenix Suns. It’s also well-documented that Bradley Beal has a no-trade clause…that’s where you’re going to see multiple teams get involved in that deal,” Johnson said.
“The Milwaukee Bucks, who do have interest in Zach LaVine, will be one of those teams trying to get in on that deal, and the Bulls will be another team trying to get in on that deal.”
Milwaukee Bucks Reportedly Interested in Trade for Zach LaVine
Zach LaVine Wants to Remain in Chicago Amidst Trade Rumors
LaVine has long been the subject of trade rumors. However, according to NBA insider Marc Stein (subscription required), the Bulls star wants to stay with the team.
“Sources tell The Stein Line that LaVine, who has put himself in contention for a third career All-Star selection with his strong play for the Bulls thus far this season, would prefer to remain in Chicago beyond the Feb. 6 deadline. LaVine’s name has featured in leaguewide trade chatter virtually all season after the Bulls’ monthslong quest to trade him in 2023-24.”
The 29-year-old has spent parts of the last eight seasons with the Bulls. They acquired him from the Minnesota Timberwolves (ironically in a trade for Butler) in 2017. Since then, LaVine has become a two-time All-Star and has developed into an explosive scorer.
LaVine still has two years left on his schedule after this season. This includes a $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season.
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To this point, LaVine has been linked to multiple teams. In addition to the Bucks, teams like the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers reportedly had interest in him. However, nothing has come to fruition. With the trade deadline only a week away, it remains unknown how likely it is that his days in Chicago are numbered. However, it seems that there is a legitimate chance a trade is on the horizon.
Depending on what they give up, LaVine could be a good addition for the Bucks. He would provide another scorer and could complement Giannis Antetokounmpo very well. Additionally, adding LaVine could give the Bucks a major boost in the second half of the season. They have done a great job of turning their season around. However, making a trade could solidify them as legitimate title contenders this season.
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