The NBA rumor mill is heating up with the Feb. 9 trade deadline approaching. Several disgruntled stars and over-performing players on lottery-bound teams appear available, so here are a few names to monitor.
Guards Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls
The Bulls’ big spending during the last few offseasons hasn’t paid off. After acquiring DeRozan in a sign-and-trade deal in 2021, they made the playoffs but lost convincingly to Milwaukee in five games. Despite their roster’s limitations, the Bulls remained committed to their core, inking LaVine to a $215.16 million extension this past offseason.
Considering the pair’s reported disconnect and the fact that Chicago (14-19) sits 11th in the Eastern Conference, it appears inevitable that Chicago will make significant changes to its roster.
LaVine might be a fit for the Dallas Mavericks, who have fans of his within their building, as ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported. Dallas is searching for another star to pair with Luka Dončić. DeRozan, an MVP candidate for much of last season, could be inclined to find a way to his hometown Lakers.
