Sports
Zach LaVine Trade Rumors: Bulls to Call Interested NBA Teams amid Lakers, 76ers Buzz – Bleacher Report
The Chicago Bulls are reportedly expected to ramp up their aggressiveness as they seek a trade partner for guard Zach LaVine.
Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported the Bulls will continue “probing” teams as LaVine sits out with right foot inflammation. The Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers have been mentioned among the suitors for the All-Star.
The Bulls have been monitoring LaVine’s trade market throughout their slow start to the season. Chicago began the 2023-24 campaign at 5-14 before reeling off four straight wins while LaVine has been out of the lineup.
LaVine is in the second season of a five-year, $215.2 million contract. His salary will be a concern for some potential suitors, particularly given the fact LaVine is not a high-level defender and largely relies on his scoring prowess to be effective. Paying $40 million per year for a score-first player in an era where 42 players are averaging 20 points per game is a luxury rather than a necessity.
LaVine’s best suitors will be the teams on the cusp of championship contention, which makes Los Angeles and Philadelphia reasonable suitors. The Lakers have a finite window of competition with LeBron James approaching his 39th birthday, and adding LaVine to the mix would give them a third All-Star-caliber scorer alongside James and Anthony Davis.
The Sixers could utilize most of the package they received in return for James Harden to acquire LaVine, who would fit as a secondary ball-handler next to Tyrese Maxey. Philadelphia’s under the gun to make a move before the start of free agency next summer with Maxey due to get a max contract extension; the team’s window of opportunity is arguably even more finite than the Lakers.
That said, the trade market could be active if other teams with mid-tier stars fall out of contention. The Toronto Raptors have been a team to watch all season with Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby potentially becoming available.
