Oct 27, 2023; Sacramento, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Chris Paul (3) talks with forward Andrew Wiggins (22) and guard Stephen Curry (30) during the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY SportsSHARE
The Golden State Warriors are going to look like an entirely different team next season. Klay Thompson is on his way out, while Chris Paul has already moved on to the San Antonio Spurs.
The Warriors will likely want to add some star power to their squad this summer. However, one superstar who doesn’t seem likely to land in the Bay Area is Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls.
Golden State Warriors Turned Down Zach LaVine
Jan 12, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago guard Zach L (8) drives during the second half against the Golden State at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
It’s no secret that the Bulls are trying to find a new home for LaVine. NBA insider Chris Haynes recently revealed that Chicago attempted to send the two-time All-Star to Golden State. In exchange, the Bulls wanted to get Paul and Andrew Wiggins back. The Warriors reportedly rebuffed the offer (h/t Evan Sidery on X, formerly Twitter):
“The Bulls offered Zach LaVine to the Warriors for Andrew Wiggins and Chris Paul, per @ChrisBHaynes.
“Golden State declined, which again says a lot about LaVine’s overall value league-wide right now,” Sidery wrote.
Apr 12, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State forward Andrew W (22) shoots over New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) during the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports
The Warriors are reportedly shopping Wiggins on the market, but it is clear that they want nothing to do with LaVine. The Dubs also turned down a chance to get something out of Paul as opposed to their decision to just waive his contract altogether.
Wiggins will still likely be with a different team next season, but it won’t be Chicago. For their part, the Bulls will need to keep looking for a team that is willing to take LaVine and the three remaining years of his massive $215 million deal.
Apr 14, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State guard Chris P (3) brings the ball upcourt against the Utah Jazz during the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports