Rich Paul Denies Zach LaVine the Bronny James Treatment, Refuses to Aid Bulls’ Trade Misery After Warriors’ Snub

Free agents are flying off the market like flies. Within a matter of days, the selections have dried up. Yet some still can’t find potential suitors even when the team has been trying to formulate a trade since last season. That’s the story of Zach Lavine and the Bulls. The emphatic athlete has long been linked with several NBA teams. Over time though, his trade value has diminished, leaving the Bulls high and dry.

As a man of Klutch Sports, the 29-year-old multidimensional scorer has one of the best agents, Rich Paul handling his dealings. Given his recent history, Paul played an instrumental role in bringing Bronny James to the Los Angeles Lakers. However, with tensions mounting between the Bulls and Lavine, the savvy agent has decided not to opt for the same treatment. Rather, he is giving the franchise space to sort their affairs.

“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,” Paul told NBC Chicago while addressing the rumors that Lavine felt misled by the Bulls.

When asked about the Bulls, he said, “The Bulls have business to do. And we’re letting them handle their business,” according to NBC Chicago. 

Rich Paul has previously shown his ruthless demeanor and action-minded mentality with other clients. With Bronny, he spoke transparently about several teams being interested in him and the specific criteria to set up a workout. Later, he would call the select few teams and threaten them not to draft the teenager. With Lavine though, he seems to be taking the high road.

The Chicago Bulls have already lost key guard Alex Caruso in free agency and might lose DeMar DeRozan soon. With a new phase due, they tried to offer Lavine to the Warriors for Chris Paul. However, the emphatic athlete’s exorbitant contract has kept not just the Warriors, but several other teams at bay.

Still young and tenacious, Lavine has been a consistent contributor, failing to average over 20 points only once in the last six years with the Bulls. A lot of it was because of a lingering foot injury which limited him to playing just 25 games this past season.

Zach Lavine and the Bulls have to part ways

The Bulls have been trying to find not just the right suitor but also the right price to trade Lavine. Both haven’t occurred in cahoots yet. The long-drawn saga has had its impact on the relationship between the two parties. According to a report by Joe Cowley, the relationship is officially strained.

The Bulls felt Lavine choosing to have surgery on his right foot when he could rehab and possibly play during the season was a betrayal. On the other hand, Klutch Sports and Lavine are frustrated since the organization never fulfilled their trade promises. It has reached a point where Lavine might not be welcome by the top brass.

“While there is a scenario in which LaVine is not moved and returns to the Bulls, he would do so to a locker room that would welcome him back, but a front office and ownership group that considers it the worst-case scenario,” Cowley mentioned in his report.

It seems they are destined to part ways. But is there any team willing to take on the remainder of Lavine’s $215 million extension he signed with the Bulls?