Once a terror, now, a squad trying their best to keep themselves in the Top 10 in the East. The Chicago Bulls have surely come a long way through in the NBA. But since 2017, they’ve found a beacon of hope in their shooting guard Zach LaVine. The 2x All-Star has been the right key scoring an average of 24 ppg this season. However, it looks like the front office under Marc Eversley’s leadership is looking for a different plan for their 29-year-old swingman.

Meanwhile, an interesting and major update from the team is shaking up the speculations around Zach LaVine.

On Monday, the Chicago Bulls announced that LaVine will be out for “the next few games.” Zach LaVine is stepping away from the court for paternity leave, leaving the Bulls shorthanded. He’s confirmed out for Wednesday’s clash with the Celtics and likely won’t join the team on their three-game road trip, per Julia Poe of the Chicago Tribune. Fantasy managers can circle Feb. 4 against Miami for his potential return. Meanwhile, Patrick Williams and rising star Matas Buzelis could seize the spotlight in LaVine’s absence.

Speaking of Matas Buzelis, there were rumors that the Chicago Bulls had something in mind for their rookie. With the trade deadline approaching, the team has been trying to trade Zach LaVine, Lonzo Ball, and Nikola Vucevic to rebuild and bolster their young roster.

In this process, the Bulls’ Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, Arturas Karnisovas, is willing to trade anyone on the roster. The only exception is rookie Matas Buzelis. The goal is to improve long-term and retain their Top-10-protected draft pick this summer.

But wait! There might be a massive, massive change in plans because it doesn’t look like the Bulls front office is willing to send away their $24 million rookie Buzelis. Instead, the team might be into a bigger scheme, eyeing, perhaps Jimmy Butler.

Zach LaVine could be a part of a three-team trade scene for Jimmy Butler

The Milwaukee Bucks have impressed this season, but they’re not stopping yet. As per K.C. Johnson on The Fastbreak, they plan to dive into the Jimmy Butler trade talks. Their target? Zach LaVine from the Chicago Bulls. “The Milwaukee Bucks, who do have interest in Zach LaVine, will be one of those teams trying to get in on that deal and the Bulls will be another team trying to get in on that deal.”

Jimmy Butler wants out of Miami—and his eyes are set on Phoenix. But for that to happen, multiple teams need to step in. Enter Milwaukee and Chicago, who could play a crucial role in landing Butler in the Valley of the Sun. Meanwhile, Zach LaVine is earning $43 million this season and will rake in $95 million over the next two years, with a player option in 2026. The real question is: how will the Bucks pull off a move for LaVine? They already have two high-paid All-Stars—Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard—on their books.

Meanwhile, Evan Sidery says this is the Bulls’ best shot at moving LaVine. And, a Jimmy Butler trade is the key. At the same time, a four-team blockbuster with the Bucks, Bulls, Heat, and Suns is starting to pick up momentum. And let’s not forget the Golden State Warriors are also interested in having the 2x All-Star guard from Chicago. In an attempt to solidify a fifth-ring dream for Stephen Curry, Zach LaVine wouldn’t be a bad choice.

The Bulls are at a crossroads, with trade rumors swirling around Zach LaVine. Moreover, Matas Buzelis is safe for now, but a three-team trade involving Jimmy Butler could be on the horizon. The Bucks, Suns, and Heat are eyeing LaVine, setting the stage for a potential blockbuster move. The Bulls’ future may soon take a dramatic turn, and we’ll be here to witness it all!