NBA Rumors: Bulls & Pistons Discussing Blockbuster Deal

Of all the players swirling around the upcoming trade deadline, two of the most frequently heard names just could be coming together for one blockbuster deal. According to a new report, the Chicago Bulls and Detroit Pistons are discussing a trade that would send Zach LaVine to the Motor City, and Bojan Bogdanovic to the Windy City.

REPORT: Detroit and Chicago have had trade discussions revolving around Zach LaVine that would include Bojan Bogdanovic, per @JLEdwardsIII pic.twitter.com/vg5uf3rpPh

— NBA Retweet (@RTNBA) January 25, 2024

Pistons beat writer James L. Edwards III of The Athletic reports:

The Chicago Bulls and Pistons have had conversations involving Zach LaVine, league sources say. Chicago appears to be locked in on a package involving Bojan Bogdanović and one of Detroit’s blue-chippers for LaVine and his hefty contract.

Ah, but that's where things could go off the rails in this proposed deal. The Pistons, says Edwards, have no intention of trading any of their "blue chippers", who are identified as Cade Cunningham, Ausar Thompson, Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren. 

The news that he's one of the core moving forward might come as a surprise to Ivey, who wasn't even starting under new coach Monty Williams until about a month ago. It's been an up-and-down season for the 21-year-old, whose numbers are down across the board.

Nevertheless, if Detroit isn't willing to include one of those four, the LaVine trade isn't likely to materialize. "It is possible Detroit considers adding LaVine when/if the Bulls’ asking price goes down," writes Edwards. "However, those are discussions that have been happening and will continue to happen internally."

Despite all of this, Edwards also notes that the Pistons are not actively shopping Bogdanovic, but that hasn't stopped teams from inquiring about him—going back to last season at this time, in fact.

Bogdanovic is averaging 20.2 points while shooting 41.7% from long range. LaVine is having an injury-plagued season, and in 25 games has averaged 7-year lows of 19.5 points and 34.9% from beyond the arc.

The Pistons continue to have one of the worst seasons in NBA history at 5-39, and there's no doubt there will be changes before the Feb. 8th trade deadline. Whether it will be bringing in a player like LaVine and the $45 million or so still owed annually for three more seasons after this one, remains to be seen.

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