All-Star on the move? Bulls swingman could be dealt if Chicago starts slowly

Tip-off for the 2023/24 NBA season is just days away — and already, speculation is starting to form as to whether some of the league’s brightest stars will be changing addresses at some point during the year.

One of the names to watch early this season is Zach Lavine. The Chicago Bulls‘ All-Star guard only extended his contract last year, but the Bulls‘ stalling rebuild and uncertain direction could prompt franchise leadership to trade him in advance of the February trade deadline — especially if the six-time NBA champions don’t start the season well.

Lavine seeking third All-Star nod in four years

A key piece of the Jimmy Butler trade to Minnesota in 2017, Lavine had his breakout season in 2020/21, when he shot a career-best 51 percent from the field as well as 42 percent from three-point range and 85 percent from the free-throw line. He averaged 27.4 points per game that season, which remains a career-high and part of a stretch of four consecutive seasons averaging at least 24 points a night

Lavine is entering the second year of a max contract extension with a player option for a fifth season. The 28-year-old signed a four-year, $166 million deal in 2022, and the option brings the total value to five years at $215 million. He won’t be cheap, but Lavine’s efficient scoring and passable defense could make him an attractive option for a team closer to championship contention than Chicago at present.

Another difficult stretch for Chicago

A slow start in Chicago would not be unusual given the franchise’s struggles in recent seasons.

During the Derrick Rose era, the Bulls enjoyed a resurgent period of championship contention. Chicago made the postseason every year between 2009 and 2015, qualifying for the conference semifinals three times.