The Chicago Bulls have been assessing the trade market for Zach LaVine but he reportedly has no interest in going to the Knicks.
According to Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News, Zach LaVine's camp is against a trade to the Knicks. As explained by Marc Berman, this is more likely a feud between differing agencies rather than saying something about the Knicks' organization as a whole. The Knicks front office is led by Leon Rose. Rose was formerly the head of CAA.
The Knicks have gotten marquee-free agents due to Rose's connection with these players. Rich Paul and the rest of the team at Klutch Sports represent Zach LaVine as his agent. Paul worked at CAA for a couple of years before starting his own agency a couple of years later. LaVine is a very solid player in the league on a very nasty contract extension that will most likely not age well.
It has been speculated that the Bulls may try to trade out of his contract before they have to suffer the consequences of their actions by trading to another team.
Is it bad that Zach LaVine doesn't want to go to the Knicks?
New York probably is dodging a bullet here. LaVine isn't that much of an upgrade and has a horrible contract. LaVine is in the first year of a huge extension that goes through 2026-27 with a player option. The contract is worth $215 million over five years.
The Knicks should at look other stars instead. Paul George is a name worth looking at. He might not be available this off-season but he could be available at the trade deadline if things don't go right for the Clippers. George is repped by CAA and would probably be open to a reunion with the former head of his agency.
Making your bed with only CAA clients certainly has its disadvantages. In this case, it's protecting the Knicks from a bad mistake.
Check out The Step Back for more news, analysis, opinion and unique basketball coverage. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our daily email newsletter, The Whiteboard.
