Bulls Rumors: LaVine 'Vowed Not to' Stunt Young Players' Development After Trade Buzz

Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Zach LaVine will be a veteran on a youthful Chicago Bulls lineup following a flurry of offseason moves, but he's reportedly confirmed to the team that he won't block the development of young players during the 2024-25 season.

Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic revealed that LaVine met with members of the organization to discuss the matter.

"Now, there are legitimate questions of how LaVine fits on a team with young talent emerging," Mayberry reported. "But in offseason conversations with Bulls leadership, including coach Billy Donovan, LaVine has vowed not to overstep or stunt the development of younger players, according to a team source."

The two-time All-Star averaged just 19.5 points per game in 25 appearances during his 2023-24 campaign, his lowest scoring average since 2018.

LaVine isn't letting it impact his approach to training camp, though.

Per Mayberry, the shooting guard has been a "willing participant" in team activities leading up to the preseason and joined several teammates in August for a player-organized minicamp.

The Bulls parted ways with multiple veteran contributors over the summer, trading defensive-minded guard Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for 21-year-old Josh Giddey. DeMar DeRozan, Chicago's leading scorer last season, joined the Sacramento Kings in a sign-and-trade agreement on July 6.

LaVine was reportedly offered to opposing teams in trade talks by the Bulls throughout the offseason, but no deal materialized. He still has three years remaining on a five-year, $215.16 million contract that includes a player option worth just over $48.9 million during the 2026-27 season.

While Chicago may be more focused on developing young players such as Giddey and Coby White compared to competing for a playoff spot entering the season, LaVine seems to be embracing the Bulls' youth movement.