The Chicago Bulls hosted the Sacramento Kings last night at the United Center. This was Zach LaVine’s first time back in the arena since being traded away last February. The Bulls controlled much of the second half and won the game by 13. LaVine was welcomed home with a video tribute, a standing ovation, and lots of friendly faces around the clubhouse. Postgame, he was asked about his departure from Chicago, and here’s what he had to say regarding the trade and the current status of the franchise.
Business Is Business
LaVine is no stranger to the business side of the NBA. He was first traded as a young player from Minnesota to Chicago, and he is now experiencing it for the second time, last season. With only one playoff appearance during his eight-year tenure and two All-Star nods, it was time for the Bulls to experiment elsewhere, and he saw that. This does not discredit the fact that he’s one of the most decorated players this franchise has had since 2000, and is atop the leaderboards for several franchise records.
LaVine: “We saw a glimpse of how good we were. I think there’s a lot that goes into that. It takes a winning mindset from top to bottom. And you know, we just didn’t get it done.
“But in this league, when it doesn’t happen, you restart. You go young. I respect their decision.” pic.twitter.com/0Sge4yn1fk
— Joel Lorenzi (@JoelXLorenzi) October 30, 2025
Still Feels Like Home
The former UCLA Bruin has never spoken ill of Chicago’s franchise, but this is the first time his review of the entire story has been shared. It was gut-wrenching to hear him speak of how much he loves the city, how it’ll always be home, and that he and his family grew up with this organization. This feels like a scenario where he could retire with the franchise and settle down post-career in the Windy City.
LaVine, asked about his tribute video:
“It just felt like I came home. I love Chicago. I love you guys. Through ups and downs. I’ve grown my family here, I’ve had major moments, low points. I became a man here.” pic.twitter.com/0m7POluvo0
— Joel Lorenzi (@JoelXLorenzi) October 30, 2025
As unfortunate as it was to have to send away the franchise’s longest-tenured and most consistent high-level player, it was overdue. LaVine was the highest-paid player, but not producing enough to even qualify for the postseason, let alone compete for NBA Championships. As seen by Sacramento’s lack of success with the additions of DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine, neither is an elite-level contributor to title-contending rosters.
Remains Really Close With The Locker Room
Whether it was interviews with Nikola Vucevic and Matas Buzelis, or the postgame hugs from Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, and several other Chicago Bulls, or joining the team in the locker room afterwards, it’s evident LaVine was well-liked and respected within the organization. K.C. Johnson of CHSN even made sure to thank him for his constant cooperation, respect, and transparency with the media, as well as for representing the franchise well. Even though things may not have worked between the lines, there are binding relationships built that will last a lifetime.
"I pay homage to him. He's an amazing guy."
It's all love between Matas and Zach LaVine 🫶 pic.twitter.com/DZsXBC6u9S
— Bulls on CHSN (@CHSN_Bulls) October 30, 2025
Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan on the court after the game talking to Bulls players.pic.twitter.com/h4VY01OjNL
— ✶ Ⓜ️𝕒𝕣𝕔𝕦𝕤 ▶️ ✶ (@_MarcusD3_) October 30, 2025
After last night, the Bulls have moved to 4-0 on the season for the first time in four years. Can they keep the momentum into Friday night’s first NBA Cup game of the year against the New York Knicks?