The Kings have listed several key players on their injury report for Monday’s matchup in Denver, including starters Zach LaVine (lower back) and Dennis Schroder (right hip) as questionable, leaving their participation uncertain.

Similarly, the Nuggets risk missing a couple of key contributors, but their injury outlook is more optimistic. Denver has listed Jamal Murray (left calf) and Cam Johnson (right shoulder) as probable, suggesting a strong chance they will be available for the game.

The Nuggets are expected to have both Murray and Johnson on the court Monday. Murray’s situation mirrors LaVine’s, as he has been a driving force in Denver’s early-season offense, which could struggle if he were sidelined.

The impact of LaVine on the Kings and Murray on the Nuggets

LaVine has been the cornerstone of Sacramento’s offense through six games. He is averaging 29.5 points per game with 53.0 percent shooting, 40.0 percent from three, and 94.3 percent from the free-throw line, surpassing 30 points in five of six games. Seeing how the Kings perform without LaVine would be an interesting test, particularly against a team like the Nuggets.

Meanwhile, Murray has been vital for Denver, averaging 26.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game while shooting 51.6 percent from the field and 39.4 percent from three. He has scored 22 or more points in four of five games, including a 43-point performance in a win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 27.

How the Kings are coming in

The Sacramento Kings earned their second win of the season on Saturday, defeating Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks on the road. The victory improved their record to 2-4 through six games.

How the Nuggets are coming in

The Nuggets are coming off a tough loss in their first NBA Cup game against the Portland Trail Blazers, falling 107-109. While stars Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon delivered, the lack of support from role players proved costly.

As trade talks evolve, Butler and the Heat appear to be evaluating their best options. What seems clear at this point is that the relationship between Butler and the Heat has soured. His recent suspension and expressed desire to leave have sparked interest from teams across the league.

One of those teams, the Warriors, were reportedly interested in acquiring Butler earlier this week. A recent report suggested that Miami might be willing to accept a less demanding trade package for their star forward, which seemingly piqued Golden State’s interest.

However, according to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, the Warriors may be shifting their focus to another All-Star. On Wednesday, Slater reported that Golden State is weighing the possibility of pursuing Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine instead. “After pulse-taking conversations with multiple players, it seems Zach LaVine might pique more interest [than Butler], depending on [LaVine’s] cost,” Slater wrote.

Warriors weighing the decision on LaVine

The Warriors are evaluating their options, and one name that continues to surface is LaVine. While recent discussions about potential trade targets have included Butler, particularly in light of his recent behavior with the Heat and his desire to leave, the Warriors have another pressing concern: finding a legitimate second scoring option alongside Stephen Curry.

“There is some level of understanding and alignment from all levels of the Warriors organization that they lack a true second scorer next to Curry,” Slater reported.

At 29 years old, LaVine presents an intriguing option for Golden State. The Warriors are well aware that, at some point, Curry won’t be able to carry the offensive load alone, and they’ll need a reliable successor. From a roster-building standpoint, acquiring LaVine might align better with their long-term plans than pursuing Butler.

However, making a deal for LaVine won’t be easy. His contract presents a significant hurdle, as the remaining years on his deal would require a major financial commitment. That’s a key consideration for the Warriors, especially when weighing whether LaVine’s skill set justifies the investment, given that he doesn’t offer the same versatility as Butler.

What would it cost to acquire LaVine?

According to Brad Botkin of CBS Sports, LaVine’s price tag is far from a bargain. With two years remaining on his current deal with the Bulls, any team looking to acquire him must be prepared for a hefty financial commitment.

“He’s making $43 million this season, $46 million next season, and has a $49 million player option for the summer of 2026. Do the Warriors want to commit nearly $100 million over the next two seasons for LaVine?“ Botkin wrote. With such a substantial financial burden, the Warriors will need to carefully evaluate whether LaVine is the right fit both in terms of their on-court needs and their salary cap flexibility for what’s left in the NBA regular season.

As 2025 approaches, reports suggest the Lakers have been monitoring LaVine for some time. Sources indicate that preliminary conversations between the Bulls and Lakers began over a year ago. However, disagreements over specific trade terms have reportedly stalled progress on a deal.

One significant sticking point in the trade discussions is the players the Lakers would need to send to Chicago. According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, the negotiations hit a snag because the Lakers are reluctant to include a key asset in the potential deal.

“There have been whispers about the Lakers for over a year now, but a source said that the pieces that would have to be swapped don’t fit, and Los Angeles remains steadfast that Austin Reaves isn’t going to be included,” Cowley wrote, shedding light on the complexities of the situation and LaVine’s possible future.

If not the Lakers, then which team?

With the Lakers’ potential trade for Zach LaVine hitting a snag, two other teams have reportedly emerged as strong contenders. Both scenarios could offer the Chicago Bulls a valuable return, but much will depend on LaVine’s own vision for his future.

On one hand, the Denver Nuggets have been identified as a primary suitor. According to The Athletic’s Tony Jones and Sam Amick, Denver could trade Zeke Nnaji and Michael Porter Jr. for LaVine, bolstering their roster alongside reigning MVP Nikola Jokic. Such a move would add a dynamic scorer to a championship-caliber team.

On the other hand, the Detroit Pistons have also expressed interest. In this scenario, LaVine and teammate Torrey Craig would head to Detroit, while the Bulls would receive Simone Fontecchio, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Jaden Ivey. While the trade presents opportunities, ongoing discussions about contracts, salaries, and the respective pros and cons for each side are reportedly delaying a final decision.

LaVine’s career stats: Why teams want him

To understand LaVine’s value, let’s examine his career performance. Over 11 NBA seasons and 606 games, LaVine has consistently delivered as a top-tier scorer. He began his career with the Minnesota Timberwolves before joining the Bulls, where he has emerged as a franchise cornerstone.

To date, LaVine has amassed 12,430 points, averaging 20 points per game. His shooting efficiency is impressive, with a 46% field goal percentage, 38.5% from three-point range, and 83.3% from the free-throw line. Additionally, he has contributed 2,392 assists and 2,467 rebounds, making him a well-rounded offensive asset.

As discussions intensify over the next few days, LaVine’s future in the league hangs in the balance. Both Denver and Detroit are vying for his talent, and the outcome could significantly reshape the trajectory of his career and the fortunes of the Bulls.

In a video shared on social media, a fan sitting courtside in Washington can be heard shouting a question at LaVine about his future, specifically referencing a potential move to the Lakers. To the surprise of many, Zach took a moment to spot the fan in the stands and, before play resumed, offered a blunt response.

“I signed here, brother. I love Chicago,” LaVine responded, firmly making it clear that he is focused on staying with the Bulls and dismissing any trade rumors or media speculation. He then quickly turned his attention back to the game, finishing with 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 10 assists in 31 minutes of action.

Zach LaVine’s commitment to Chicago

LaVine, who has been with the Chicago Bulls since 2017 after being acquired in a trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves, has consistently proven to be one of the team’s cornerstone players. Despite the franchise’s struggles in recent years, including just one playoff appearance (a first-round loss to the Milwaukee Bucks in 2022), LaVine has remained committed to Chicago.

In 2022, LaVine signed a five-year, $215 million contract extension, signaling his desire to remain with the Bulls for the long haul. While he holds a player option for the 2026-27 season, there is currently no indication that he plans to leave Chicago anytime soon.

That said, LaVine has often expressed his admiration for Kobe Bryant, acknowledging that he was a fan of the Lakers legend during his playing days. In fact, Zach wears the number 8 in honor of Bryant. Given this, it’s not hard to imagine that LaVine has, at times, dreamed of joining the Lakers to follow in the footsteps of his idol.

The Lakers and LaVine: A possible fit?

As one of the most high-profile franchises in the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers are frequently linked to big-name players in trade rumors. It’s no surprise that the fan at Tuesday’s game mentioned the Lakers as a potential destination for LaVine.

However, despite the speculation, it seems unlikely that LaVine is a priority for the Lakers’ front office at this time. While the team is always in the market for high-level talent, the Lakers’ current focus appears to be on bolstering their roster with a defensive-minded player rather than pursuing a star like LaVine, whose offensive prowess would be more of a luxury.

For now, LaVine’s future remains in Chicago, and his recent comments have only strengthened that commitment. The Bulls will continue to look to their All-Star guard as they aim to contend in the Eastern Conference this season.

Speaking to Sam Smith for the team’s official website, Donovan praised LaVine’s performance: “Zach was really decisive. He took his shots when they were there. What was encouraging on the threes, there was no hesitation; he just went up and shot it. He got off to a great start, shot unbelievable from three. He can get on a run. He can go 0-for-4 and then come back and make 6-for-6, so I never worry (if he’s missing).”

Despite ongoing trade rumors, Donovan reaffirmed LaVine’s importance to the team. “I thought he was really decisive, and when he had daylight and a crack he shot it. We need him to do that,” he said. “When he’s got a head of steam, his athletic ability and his ability to shoot the ball and put it on the floor, he’s really hard to guard. He is one of the better open floor players in transition,” he ended.

LaVine’s performance against the Grizzlies was impressive by any standard. In just 22 minutes on the court, he tallied 28 points, 4 assists, 2 steals, and was a perfect 6-for-6 from three-point range. His stats could have been even better, but he was rested during the fourth quarter.

Despite the good performance, LaVine’s future with the Bulls is yet to be seen. He’s currently in the third of the five-year, $215 million contract extension he signed in 2022, owning 30% of the team’s salary cap. Zach’s currently on the trade market, but him moving to any NBA team at this point in the season seems unlikely due to the size of his contract.

Donovan praises 2023 rookie after performance

Beyond LaVine, rookie Julian Phillips also turned heads with his strong showing. The 20-year-old forward, who was originally drafted by the Boston Celtics in 2023, stepped up with a stellar shooting display, finishing with 21 points, including 5-of-8 from three-point range, primarily from the left corner.

Donovan had high praise for the young forward after Saturday’s game. “Julian, he’s been really good. He had some good drives and didn’t have to go up in traffic, but he’s played really, really well,” said Donovan to Sam Smith. “He’s a good cutter, very active on the glass and he’s shot the ball well. I don’t think that was a fluke tonight. I feel very comfortable with him shooting the basketball,” he said.

Last year, LaVine was one of the Bulls‘ key players, despite being limited to just 25 regular-season games due to a knee injury. He averaged 19.5 points per game, but his absence was felt in the playoffs, where he was unable to contribute.

Speaking to Chicago Sports Network, LaVine was candid about how difficult it was to play through the injury: “Injuries suck and they happen. Last year, I played 20-some games with a broken foot.”

As the upcoming NBA season approaches, LaVine is preparing for the opening game in late October. His preseason performances have been impressive, scoring 28 points in the Bulls’ recent win over the Memphis Grizzlies.

LaVine focused on Season Opener

After reflecting on last season’s struggles, LaVine expressed his determination for the new season, saying he’s fully motivated: “I feel good now and we’re trying to get me in more and more (catch-and-shoots).”

LaVine also shared his thoughts on what’s ahead for both himself and the team: “I’m more than fine with getting easy shots off the ball. I like those stress-free shots.”

Monday’s preseason game against the Milwaukee Bucks will provide further insight into the Bulls’ progress, with LaVine leading the way and showing that he’s ready for the regular season to begin.

What’s next for the Bulls?

• vs. Bucks – October 14 – Preseason Game 3
• vs. Timberwolves – October 16 – Preseason Game 4
• vs. Cavaliers – October 18 – Preseason Game 5

Zach LaVine emerges as a potential target to elevate Miami’s competitive edge. The shooting guard, despite enduring several challenging seasons with the Bulls, remains a highly talented player. While his performances have been strong, injuries have plagued his career, limiting him to just four playoff games in seven seasons with Chicago.

For the Bulls, moving LaVine and his hefty $136 million contract could make sense, while the Miami Heat are eager to strengthen their roster and raise their competitive level. However, several key factors need to be considered.

LaVine’s injury history

Zach LaVine’s injury troubles have been a recurring theme throughout his time with the Chicago Bulls. Since 2017, knee injuries, compounded by ankle issues, have significantly impacted his availability. From 2020 to 2023, LaVine regained his form, showcasing impressive performances that earned him two NBA All-Star selections.

However, his injury concerns resurfaced last season when he underwent foot surgery, limiting him to just 25 games and leaving the Bulls without one of their key players during their failed playoff push.

A title-contending Miami Heat

If the Heat were to acquire a player of LaVine’s caliber, their championship aspirations would undoubtedly receive a significant boost. With Jimmy Butler settled and motivated to prove his value in orden to get a contract extension, alongside stars Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo, Erik Spoelstra‘s squad could become a formidable force in the NBA this season.

Billy Donovan’s team is long overdue for a rebuild. They do have some talented players that could draw interest somewhere else in the league, but they’re just not a good fit together.

That puts Zach LaVine in the spotlight. He’s been tied to multiple trades throughout the course of the years, and it seems evident that he doesn’t want to be there, either. Nonetheless, it seems like both parties are stuck with each other.

Zach LaVine Has No Trade Value

According to Brian Windhorst of ESPN, the Bulls have desperately tried to move on from the UCLA product, who would also gladly leave the premises. Then again, there have been no takers.

“If they could trade Zach LaVine in the next five minutes they would trade him and Zach would happily go to the airport,” Windhorst said. “I don’t think anything has changed there; I think they absolutely want to trade him.”

A report by Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times points out something similar, stating that LaVine’s contract is so bad that the Bulls could actually have to give up assets to move him:

“Zach LaVine, long rumored to be on the trade market, isn’t usually a name that comes up when talking to people about the Lakers’ interest because of his contract and injury history,” Woike wrote. “The trade market for him around the league, sources say, is so rough that the thought is Chicago should have to add stuff in a LaVine trade to get off the contract.”

LaVine is making top dollar despite not being a top player, and the new CBA makes it tough for teams to absorb that kind of deal, so he might be forced to stay in the Windy City beyond this season.

Anunoby is tailor-made for what the Knicks needed. They craved a wing-stopper, and they had one of the best in the game. He’s also capable of creating his own shot, drive to the rim, and facilitate for others, not to mention the fact that he was a massive upgrade over the unimpressive RJ Barrett.

Even though losing Immanuel Quickley was a big blow to their team and the second unit, the Knicks got significantly better with that trade. Then again, that doesn’t mean they’re ready to pursue an NBA championship yet.

Fortunately, they do have plenty of assets to keep making trades, and the only reason they made this transaction is because they had another ace up their sleeve. They have a plethora of draft picks to trade and could make a Godfather-like offer most teams won’t be able to turn down. But who could be on their radar now? Let’s break it down.

NBA Rumors: Donovan Mitchell and next trade targets for the Knicks

3. Malcolm Brogdon

This might not seem like a big trade, and he has struggled with injuries over time. However, Malcolm Brogdon embodies everything Tom Thibodeau stands for. He’d pull the strings of the second unit, playing mistake-free basketball and sound defense, all while also contributing in the defensive glass.

Brogdon isn’t a superstar, but he’s a championship-caliber role player. He can play and guard multiple positions, start or come off the bench, and he’s not a liability in the clutch if you need another ball-handler next to the more aggressive Jalen Brunson.

2. Donovan Mitchell

Donovan Mitchell has been tied with a move to New York for years now, and the Knicks tried to acquire him before the Cleveland Cavaliers one-upped them. But with the Cavs missing Darius Garland and Evan Mobley for the foreseeable future, they might not be able to compete this season.

Then again, chances are that Mitchell won’t become available until the offseason. He has yet to sign a contract extension with the Cavaliers and didn’t sound too inclined to do it. Should that be the case, the Knicks would be obvious frontrunners to acquire his services.

1. Zach LaVine

Zach LaVine is the most obvious and most likely trade candidate, not only for the Knicks but for every single team looking to get another 20+ points-per-game scorer. The Chicago Bulls aren’t going anywhere, and he’s already outstayed his welcome under coach Billy Donovan.

The Knicks would be adding another big-time offensive weapon, and they’ve had the defenders and the defensive-minded coach to hide his flaws on that end of the floor. He fits their timeline and is the kind of player who could help them go from pretenders to contenders in the blink of an eye.

Darvin Ham might not be the right guy for this job. He has yet to find a lineup that works, and that’s a big concern 30 games into the season, even with the injuries they’ve been through.

So, just like what happens with most teams involving LeBron James, the Lakers are most likely going to go through a roster overhaul at some point in the season. It’s just a matter of who they can pursue.

According to the latest reports, they’re not only interested in trading for Zach LaVine. They have also set their sights on Atlanta Hawks All-Star guard Dejounte Murray.

Lakers To Target Dejounte Murray

“According to Shams Charania from The Athletic, Atlanta Hawks star guard Dejounte Murray is seen as a potential target,“ reported Basket News. “Chicago Bulls wing Zach LaVine has been involved in Lakers trade rumors recently as well.”

Nonetheless, as they may know by now, it’ll be virtually impossible to get either of these players without giving up Austin Reaves, so they’ll have to make an uncomfortable decision at some point:

“Charania notes that the Lakers would most likely have to give up multiple first-round picks and at least one notable player like Austin Reaves to land a player of Murray or LaVine’s caliber,” the report continued.

LeBron Isn’t Pleased With The Roster

Whatever the case, something’s definitely going to happen, and plenty of players are on borrowed time. LeBron has already made it clear that they’re not good enough to compete with the top-tier teams, and that usually leads to multiple moves:

“I think the league’s best team so far is Minnesota, they’re pretty much healthy. OKC, pretty much healthy besides [Josh] Giddey. And Boston, they’re fully healthy,” James said.

The veteran forward also admits that the team hasn’t been healthy this season. That makes it tough to assess what works and what doesn’t. But even at full strength, they might not have what it takes to keep up with the championship contenders:

“I don’t think we’re healthy right now,” James said. “I don’t think we’re where we want to be to compete versus the top teams, and we need to continue to get better, continue to work on our habits. For us, we’re still trying to figure out our situation as far as how we want to continue to approach each game. We’ll be better.”

LeBron James and Anthony Davis have well, but even though they claim to be one of the top duos in the league, they haven’t been able to carry this team to legitimate championship contention.

Perhaps it’s time to assess their status as a so-called elite duo in the league, as empty stats aren’t enough to win championships, and other duos are getting it done despite averaging fewer points or spending fewer minutes on the court.

That’s why several of their players have been linked with trades for months now. DeMar DeRozan, Alex Caruso, and even Coby White and Nikola Vucevic have emerged as potential trade suitors for contending and rebuilding teams alike.

Needless to say, that makes Zach LaVine the most likely and most valuable trade asset they have right now, even though he hasn’t played for the past month or so while nursing an injury.

With that in mind, Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report put together an interesting mock trade that would send LaVine to the Los Angeles Lakers, the place where he thrived when he was in college playing for the UCLA Bruins.

The Trade

Los Angeles Lakers receive: Zach LaVine

Chicago Bulls receive: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Maxwell Lewis and a 2029 first-round pick

This trade isn’t that appealing for the Bulls at first sight, but the reality is that LaVine’s trade value isn’t as high as it used to be after so many injuries and his stand-off with Billy Donovan.

Lakers Get Another Shot-Creator

“L.A.’s 17th-ranked offense is light on shot creation and essentially nonfunctional when James, who turns 39 in December, needs a breather. Just that one subtraction torpedoes its output by 13 points per 100 possessions,” wrote Buckley.

LaVine might not be a good defender, but he can at least take plenty of pressure from LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the offensive end of the floor, both with his scoring and his passing:

“LaVine, one of five players to average at least 24 points, four assists and 2.5 three-pointers each of the past four seasons, could help prevent those drop-offs while also enhancing the effectiveness with James on the floor. Each could create for the other, and both are dynamic finishers. If they hit the ground running, they could steer this offense into the top 10 or higher,” added Buckley.

The Bulls Get More Assets

The Bulls, on the other hand, wouldn’t benefit from the players they get in return from this trade per sé, but they could flip them into more draft capital to actually kickstart their rebuild:

“The rebuilding Bulls wouldn’t have a ton of use for Russell, but they could give him temporary control of the offense in hopes he’d drive up his trade value and help bring back additional assets. Hachimura might see similar treatment, though he’s just young enough (25) to potentially keep if Chicago sought a rapid rebuild,” Buckley concluded.

At the end of the day, LaVine’s trade value gets lower by the day, so it only makes sense that Arturas Karnisovas and company make the most of him while they still can. It will take a while, but the Bulls need to move on from this core to go back to the place they never should’ve left in the league’s hierarchy.