This week, the Chicago Bulls won three games in a row for the first time in 48 outings, dating back to March 7th, 2023. Only in Chicago do the media and fans jump straight to contention thoughts when the team has any glimmer of hope, so naturally, the questions this week have revolved around the two roads the Bulls’ future can take. The first option is to continue to tread slightly above the water, currently the ninth seed in the Eastern Conference, and ride out the aging roster, likely clinching a third consecutive NBA Play-In Tournament berth. The second choice is to trade away Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, and other aging assets, gain future capital, and likely retain their protected top-ten draft pick in the 2025 NBA Draft while missing the playoffs this season. When presented with the notion of tanking, paired with the heavy trade rumor traffic around his name, LaVine responded how any player or coach would, rejecting any thought of either one taking priority over winning every game they play.
Despite LaVine’s scrutiny during his tenure in Chicago, including via this platform, it’s solely rooted in his production between the lines. Outside of the court, he’s appeared to be a solid locker-room presence, matured over the years with his answers defending coaches, teammates, or himself alike, and he’s often said the noble answer in response to any problematic topics. When asked about the potential of tanking for Chicago’s top-ten draft pick next summer, his trend of respectable answers continued.
Zach LaVine on the big picture for the Bulls after their third straight win: “Players and coaches never tank. That’s just not going to happen.” pic.twitter.com/TZFTNQVKOl
— Julia Poe (@byjuliapoe) December 20, 2024
He and Billy Donovan have echoed one another whenever they’ve been asked about this topic, which has come up more often than they’d prefer over the past three years. In the last two seasons and the beginning of this season, they’ve been in a similar situation of balancing the prospect of chasing a higher draft selection versus pursuing a playoff spot.
LaVine was also asked about the potential of him being traded in the next two months, a conversation he’s been presented with several times over the past three years. In typical LaVine fashion, he responded with the same message as always, saying he’s happy in Chicago but understands the business side of the league. He added an extra note this time regarding the underlying message behind being in constant trade speculation.
More LaVine:”I signed a lengthy contract here for a reason. I wanted to stay here. But it’s always good to know you have interest because that means you’re a player other people want to play with. I’m just thankful the position I’m at today getting ready for defending NBA champs”
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) December 19, 2024
While his numbers aren’t popping off the charts or contending for an All-Star spot, they are on pace to be the most efficient of his career. He’s shooting 50.5% from the field and 43.5% from three-point land. These would be top-two figures in his 11-year career.
While Chicago’s front office juggles their options over the next two months, it’s clear where their leader and All-Star guard’s head is. Will he lead this new-look Bulls to the playoffs or be in new threads by February?
