As the 2021 trade deadline approaches, the Knicks are still keeping an eye on LaVine’s situation in Chicago, according to SNY sources.
LaVine may be a free agent in 2022. So you can rest assured that the Knicks are among the many teams monitoring the dynamic between the Bulls and their young star. It’s unclear whether Chicago is open to hearing offers on LaVine, who will likely order a maximum contract as a free agent.
New Bulls president Arturas Karsinovas, according to NBC’s KC Johnson, made it clear that the cap’s future flexibility is a key to him. That element and the situation around the Bulls and LaVine is explained in detail in this story last month by Johnson.
At the very least, LaVine’s situation is something to watch from now to the March 25 trade deadline. And that’s something the Knicks continue to monitor.
If Chicago has decided to engage in trade talks with LaVine, the Knicks have five first-round choices in the next three drafts, so they can offer the Bulls significant project capital. The Bulls, you would think, would be looking for another young star in exchange for LaVine.