The Chicago Bulls are not tanking, says former player-turned-broadcaster Stacey King. He pointed to the Bulls targeting younger but useful players instead of draft capital in the Alex Caruso and DeMar DeRozan trades as proof.
That leaves two-time former All-Star Zach LaVine as one of four players on the roster over the age of 24. This is despite the Bulls’ efforts to trade him since the 2023 deadline.
Both sides want a fresh start, though, and King explained why LaVine’s side is eager for a change.
“Here’s the thing about Zach LaVine: Zach LaVine’s problem – and talking to Zach – Zach LaVine’s problem is not with his teammates,” King, a member of the Bulls’ first three-peat, said on the “Gimme The Hot Sauce” podcast on July 11. “Zach is a good teammate. They love him. It’s with the coaching staff. It’s with [Bulls head coach Billy Donovan]. His problem has always been with Billy.”
LaVine has addressed trade rumors on multiple occasions, including an interview with NBC Sports in August 2023.
LaVine’s gripe with Donovan stems from a benching during a particularly rough outing against the Orlando Magic on November 18 of the 2022-23 season.
The guard was 1-for-14 including 0-for-5 from beyond the arc in the 108-107 loss.
LaVine initially told reporters Donovan had to live with the decision. He told The Athletic’s Darnell Mayberry he “had a terrible game” and that they were “all good,” in an interview published on November 20, 2022.
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