After his 3-year $81.9 million Bulls contract, DeMar DeRozan has become one of the hottest free agents in the market. And there are several suitors rumored to be interested in the mid-range maestro. Unfortunately for all those teams, DeRozan is no longer available as a blockbuster trade has been finalized, involving the 6-time All-Star. That could eventually determine his teammate Zach LaVine’s future with the Bulls following Rich Paul’s reality check.

Yes, as per multiple reports, DeRozan will now wear the Sacramento Kings colors! He’ll be moving as a part of the three-team sign and trade with the Bulls and the Spurs. Reportedly, signing a 3-year $74 million deal with the Kings, DeMar will finally move out of Chicago after three seasons. As part of the deal, the Bulls receive guard Chris Duarte, some cash, and two future second-rounders. Meanwhile, the third party, the Spurs, added vet Forward Harrison Barnes along with a 2031 unprotected pick swap from the Kings.

And now that the Bulls have finally broken up their superstar duo, they might start ramping up the process of finding a new destination for Zach LaVine. Desperately trying to get rid of the $137 million remaining on his contract, they have already sent out proposals to half the teams in the league. But so far, they haven’t found any success, even causing many to believe that LaVine might be the problem.

However, Rich Paul made it very clear that that’s not the case, “I want to make this clean and clear: This whole idea that Zach has been anything but professional in this situation is false. This guy has played hurt. He has represented the franchise with class. A lot has taken place during his time with the Bulls and he’s taken the high road every time. Does every player get frustrated at times?

“Yes. But Zach has been the ultimate professional and deserves better.” So, Paul has vouched for LaVine’s professionalism. The super-agent’s comments will likely help his client finally be able to find a new home.

Where can LaVine land, amid a tarnished relationship with the Bulls?

With DeRozan joining the Kings in a blockbuster deal, the Bulls can safely cross them off the list of possible destinations for LaVine. Even though they were among the teams that showed strong interest when the Bulls sent out proposals, it likely won’t happen now. But the Chicago side still has hope. GSW was heavily interested in acquiring the star. Busy rebuilding their roster after the departure of Klay and CP3, Steve Kerr and Co. could shock everyone by making a move for LaVine and pairing him with Steph.

On the other hand, the Lakers have been speculated as a landing spot for LaVine too. Although Pelinka was initially interested in adding DeRozan, now that he is off the table, they can shift his focus to the other star in Chicago. However, because of a lack of cap space, the LA franchise will have to give up multiple assets to make room for LaVine’s massive contract, which could be a risky move.

While Zach is still a nightly twenty-point scorer, he is not an elite shooter like LeBron and AD prefer to have around them. But after they’ve made no moves so far in free agency and watched all the major players slip away, LaVine might be the Lakers’ best option now.

Meanwhile, the Bulls need to part ways with Zach at any cost as reports have emerged about their relationship gradually taking a hit because of all the trade talks. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, there is a complete lack of trust in both parties due to everything that’s going on. So, the Bulls need to act fast before it’s too late.

Before you go, do not forget to check out Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, to open up about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud. Keep checking this space for more such updates.