An NBA Insider suggests that the discussions regarding Damian Lillard to Chicago Bulls move are losing momentum. ESPN’s Marc Spears has mentioned that the Toronto Raptors are emerging as the frontrunners if the Portland Trail Blazers decide to trade their franchise star. As the NBA teams prepare for media days and training camp, Damian Lillard’s future remains a topic of great interest.
The Chicago Bulls have been loosely connected to Lillard for several months, with reports in July indicating that initial talks between the teams didn’t progress significantly. Recent discussions even suggested that the Bulls might consider trading Zach LaVine as part of a multi-team deal to enter the Lillard trade talks.
However, K.C. Johnson, a Bulls Insider, revealed on the Bulls Talk Podcast that most league executives he spoke to believed the Toronto Raptors were a more likely destination for Lillard if a trade were to happen before training camp.
Marc Spears of Andscape and ESPN Senior NBA Writer reaffirmed this view on Damian Lillard to Chicago Bulls move, stating that “the Chicago thing is kinda waning a little bit.”
Lillard’s preferred trade destination has been the Miami Heat. However, reports indicate that there has been minimal communication between the Trail Blazers and the Heat since July. Instead, Portland has been exploring options with other teams, including the Bulls, as they consider their next steps in the midst of a rebuild centered around young talent like rookie Scoot Henderson.
While the NBA landscape can change rapidly, the Chicago Bulls are proceeding with their training camp preparations as if their roster is finalized. They’ve made offseason acquisitions like Jevon Carter and Torrey Craig in free agency, as well as re-signing players such as Nikola Vucevic, Coby White, and Ayo Dosunmu. The Bulls have also been highlighting LaVine on their social media platforms, indicating their commitment to him.
Zach LaVine has been the subject of trade rumors throughout his time with the Bulls, and there’s growing skepticism in the league about whether he will complete his five-year deal in Chicago. However, at present, it appears likely that LaVine will return for what promises to be an eagerly anticipated 2023-24 season.
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