The Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers are all reportedly interested in potentially trading for Chicago Bulls forward Zach LaVine.
On Wednesday, LaVine addressed the trade rumors after practice.
“I’ve been in trade talks for a long time,” LaVine said. “So I understand the situation. Once news is always broken, it’s a big thing. It’s not like this is the first and the last time it’s going to happen with my name. As of right now, I’m still excited to put this jersey on.
There has been speculation about the Heat adding another top-tier player after failing to acquire All-Star guard Damian Lillard in the offseason. Some think the Heat need another scorer to pair alongside Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro.
LaVine is a career 20-point scorer and would certainly benefit the Heat. He said he understands why his name continues to come up in trade rumors because of the Bulls’ struggles. Last year the Heat defeated the Bulls in the play-in tournament before making their run to the NBA Fina.s
“We’re not happy because we’re not winning,” LaVine said. “It’s not a bad thing. It’s just the nature of the business.”
The Heat have won six straight entering Thursday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets.