REPORT: Bulls Open to Reshaping Roster Around Zach LaVine

According to Sean Deveney of Heavy.com, the Chicago Bulls are open to reshaping the roster to make Zach LaVine the clear #1 option.

Breaking up the Roster

This news comes off of a disappointing season from the Chicago Bulls. Despite playoff expectations, the team flatlined and failed to punch their ticket into the postseason. Arturas Karnisovas possibly has contemplated breaking up the core of the roster. This will be the hardest decision Karnisovas has had to make since taking over the front office for the Bulls. Is it possible to salvage the big 3 of LaVine, Vucevic, and DeRozan this offseason?

Targeting Deandre Ayton?

Sean Deveney mentions that the Chicago Bulls could look into swapping DeMar DeRozan or Nikola Vucevic in a deal for Ayton. Ayton is coming off of a poor performance in the playoffs which saw him getting benched for Jock Landale in crucial minutes; however, Ayton has repeatedly expressed his unhappiness in Pheonix and has shown poor body language when communicating with teammates. Considering his despair in Pheonix, a change of scenery could improve Ayton’s play. After all, Ayton did choose to sign with the Indiana Pacers last offseason, but the Pheonix Suns matched the deal.

Building Around Zach LaVine

One thing remains clear whether the Bulls decide to break the roster up or not: making Zach LaVine the team’s focus. This report clarifies that the Chicago Bulls will not be making Zach LaVine available in trade talks despite uncertainty regarding the roster. Despite rumors at the trade deadline, LaVine will remain a Chicago Bull. LaVine averaged 27 points on 53% shooting from the field in 22 games after the all-star break this season, performing at a level that has caught the eye of the front office. LaVine would score 39 points in a play-in tournament victory over the Toronto Raptors but failed to perform efficiently against the Miami Heat in a loss that ended the Bulls’ season.

Overall, Zach LaVine has looked fully healthy and played at a superstar level for the Bulls in the season’s final stretch.