The Miami Heat are not likely to pursue Zach LaVine’s trade deal. As per the latest report by Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald, the Heat has backed out of the trade deal with the Chicago Bulls.
Heat Reportedly Backs Out of Zach LaVine Trade
Zach LaVine is on the trading block, and many NBA teams are monitoring LaVine’s situation in the Bulls. The Heat was expected to acquire LaVine in a trade deal with the Bulls. However, Barry Jackson has reported that the Heat has backed out of the trade deal.
The Bulls’ star guard expressed his desire to land in the Miami Heat alongside the Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers. However, Miami is not interested in moving their young star, Tyler Herro for Zach LaVine.
Zach Lavine: “Yo if you guys beat us by 20 tonight, I’ll request a trade to Toronto.”
OG Anunoby: “😁😅” pic.twitter.com/kMwKzdL8FZ
— عمر عثمان 🇦🇫 Mike Tyson’s Translator (@OmerOsman200) November 25, 2023
LaVine signed a 5-year contract with the Bulls for a massive $215.2 million in July 2022. If he is traded this season, there will still be 4 years left in his contract, which will cost around $178 million.
Jackson wrote in his latest NBA column:
“Another big-time scorer, Chicago’s Zach LaVine, is available on the trade market.”
“But a person in close contact with the Heat front office said Miami has not been pursuing a trade for him, at least as of now. (I would be surprised if that changes.) And that’s a sensible decision, because of several reasons including future flexibility, finances and duplication with Tyler Herro’s skill set. (The Heat isn’t interested in trading Herro for LaVine.)”
Zach LaVine Responds to Trade Rumors: “My Job is to Go Out and Play”
In the NBA 2023-24 season, LaVine is averaging around 21.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. The veteran has a shooting average of 43.1% from the field, 33.9% from beyond the arc, and 87.2% from the free throw line.
LaVine is named a 2-time all-star and has a career-high of 51 points, which he achieved this season while playing against the Detroit Pistons.
When it comes to the career average, the 28-year-old guard has scored around 20.5 points, 3.9 assists, and 4 rebounds while playing for the Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Zach has a no-trade clause in his contract, which basically means he can be traded to any team.
During an interview with a Bulls reporter, LaVine was asked about the rumors regarding a possible trade. In response, LaVine shared his thoughts on the matter.
“That’s why I have representatives like Rich Paul. If he speaks on my behalf, that’s my agent. That’s who I obviously have my camp with. They talk to Artūras (Karnišovas) and them.”
“My job is to go out here and play. Simple as that.”
