With most big-name free agents already off the market, there are not many star players left for teams to pursue. Despite that, the Chicago Bulls have failed to find any takers for two-time All-Star Zach LaVine. And that has led to speculations that LaVine might be the problem. While his agent Rich Paul publicly defended Zach’s professionalism, he did leave the high flyer hanging, which might eventually lead to LaVine remaining stuck in a ‘hostage situation’ in Chicago.

Failing to find any suitors for LaVine despite sending out proposals to half the teams in the league, Bulls’ EVP Artūras Karnišovas hinted at the superstar no longer being available in the trade market and starting next season playing for the Bulls. “We expect Zach being fully healthy. And he is healthy. I think he can help this group next year. He’s been professional … Again, he’s healthy. We expect him to be with us at the start of training camp,” Arturas remarked.

As the EVP’s comments hint at LaVine staying a part of the Bulls roster at least to start next season, media veteran Joe Cowley revealed his thoughts on that possibility, “I mean it’s almost like a hostage situation. He’s here, but he doesn’t wanna be here and they certainly don’t want him there. So, they have to say the right things just in case they can’t move him, which it looks like they are not going to.”

While Cowley acknowledged that LaVine has stayed professional throughout this whole ordeal, he does believe that his staying in Chicago could hurt the Bulls’ plan to develop their young roster. More importantly, with DeMar DeRozan gone, the differences between LaVine and Bulls’ head coach Billy Donovan could escalate fairly quickly and affect the entire team.

Cowley also cited an anonymous source stating that Karnisovas wants to trade Zach as quickly as possible because he fears his tarnished relationship with Donovan and the front office could lead to a “dysfunctional” locker room. As the Bulls seem to have given up on their pursuit of finding a new home for LaVine, Rich Paul has not been of much help either.

Should Rich Paul step in to rescue Zach LaVine from the Bulls’ misery?

When critics were pointing fingers at LaVine’s professionalism as the Bulls constantly failed to trade him, Rich Paul was the first to defend his client, “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.”

However, Paul did leave the decision up to the Bulls front office and left LaVine stuck in limbo. “The Bulls have business to do. And we’re letting them handle their business.”

But it might be time for Paul to step in and save LaVine from the situation he certainly does not want to be a part of. Although Arturas says he is looking forward to having LaVine in next season’s training camp, he also claimed that the squad is far from a finished product. So, until LaVine stays in Chicago, he will always have a sword hanging over his head, as the front office could trade him any moment. And most likely, LaVine does not want that kind of uncertainty at the prime of his career.

Moreover, with Josh Giddey joining the team this summer and Coby White taking a massive leap, LaVine’s role might get diminished as the Bulls head in a new direction. And Paul could use his connections to help the Bulls, maybe find a viable trade offer for LaVine that works in both parties’ favor. What are your thoughts?