It further goes on to read: "LaVine is viewed by some within the organization as the safer option. At 29, he’s five and a half years younger and some $6 million cheaper than Butler this season, though his contract extends longer and he’s had some recent health concerns. There are risks all over the board."

But the team has been "fun-bad," thanks to solid play from two-time All-Star small forward/shooting guard LaVine, two-time All-Star center Nikola Vucevic, and guards Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu and Giddey. In the mediocre East, the Bulls are good enough to have at least a shot at the postseason.

As the clock ticks toward the deadline, the Warriors have floated a protected first-rounder as a sweetener in potential deals.

According to NBA reporters Anthony Slater and Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic, Zach LaVine is viewed by some within the Golden State Warriors as a “safer option” than Jimmy Butler. Butler has requested a trade from the Miami Heat.