NBA trade rumors: Knicks contacted Bulls about Zach Lavine

The New York Knicks showed interest in acquiring Zach LaVine from the Chicago Bulls this summer, as first reported by Fred Katz of The Athletic on Thursday.

The 28-year-old caught the eyes of the Knicks averaging 24.8 points on 48.5% from the field, 4.2 assists, and 4.5 rebounds last season.

LaVine, 28, was coming off a solid season in which he averaged 24.8 points per game on 48.5% shooting from the field, which piqued the Knicks’ interest as they look to make a big splash this offseason. They’ve also been linked to the likes of Joel Embiid this summer.

The Bulls, however, maintained a hefty asking price which shut down talks rather quickly. If the Bulls were to trade away LaVine they would want developed and consistent talent that would be able to contribute immediately.

That would have meant a potential asking price of RJ Barrett centered around draft capital.

With the Knicks getting eliminated in the Eastern Conference semifinals by the Miami Heat, Leon Rose has been searching for another consistent scorer that could support Barrett, Jalen Brunson, and Julius Randle. They’ve already addressed a part of their three-point-shooting needs by acquiring Donte DiVincenzo earlier this month.

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