Zach LaVine’s status in the NBA trade market continues to provide more questions than answers for the Chicago Bulls.

Although most reports have cited the Los Angeles Lakers as the primary — if not solitary — focus for LaVine and his team, agent Rich Paul told The Athletic there’s “not one team” at the center of their trade negotiations.

The interest in the Lakers is understandable on multiple fronts. Paul’s agency, Klutch Sports, also represents Lakers superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. LaVine played for UCLA and lives in Los Angeles in the offseason.

But the focus on the Lakers has heightened concern about how many viable trade options exist for LaVine, who is weighed down by his $215 million maximum contract.

Speculation has been fueled by the fact LaVine is sidelined with a foot injury. He hasn’t played since Nov. 28 and isn’t expected to return until January. By the time he’s cleared, the Bulls could have settled on a deal — potentially with the Lakers, who would have Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves available to trade beginning Jan. 15.

Outside of Los Angeles, LaVine could be interested in joining De’Aaron Fox with the Sacramento Kings, according to The Athletic’s report. Fox is another Klutch client, and LaVine reportedly likes the idea of pairing with Fox in the Kings backcourt.

Paul said his focus is on finding any landing spot where LaVine would be happy — even if that’s Chicago.

“In the event the Bulls decide they would like to go a different direction with the team, and it involves Zach, then I’m sure we’ll have conversations to get clarity on what’s best for both sides,” Paul told The Athletic. “Until then, the goal is to get healthy and return ready to go.”

So what would it mean for the Bulls if LaVine remained in Chicago past the Feb. 8 trade deadline?

LaVine has remained actively engaged with the team while sidelined, traveling to all road games and maintaining his normal pregame routines, even though he can’t do more than shoot layups and run through half-speed ballhandling drills.

Teammate DeMar DeRozan said LaVine has remained consistent in his demeanor throughout the cycle of trade rumors. And LaVine expressed eagerness to fit into the high-assist, high-energy offense the Bulls have been playing during his absence.

At the same time, it’s hard to miss that the Bulls have played their best basketball with LaVine on the sidelines.

Can they keep up their improved style of offense with LaVine back in the mix? And is it even worth trying?

Again, more questions than answers exist as the deadline creeps closer.

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