Teams are probing the availability of Zach LaVine and there’s been increased openness from the Chicago Bulls and LaVine about exploring a trade.
Teams around the NBA are probing the availability of Chicago Bulls shooting guard Zach LaVine and there’s been increased openness from the Bulls and LaVine about exploring a trade, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
The Bulls held exploratory trade talks centered on LaVine during this past offseason, but those conversations didn’t gain traction. LaVine, who is represented by Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group, signed a five-year, $215.2 million contract with Chicago in July 2022.
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During a media session with Bulls reporters a day after the trade reports came out, LaVine was asked directly by journalists if he wanted to be elsewhere and the two-time All-Star didn’t say yes or no.
With that said, here are five blockbuster trade ideas for LaVine, who is one of the best scorers in the NBA.
The Orlando Magic Make A Splash Trade
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Trade Details
Orlando Magic Receive: Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls Receive: Jonathan Isaac, Gary Harris, Jalen Suggs, 2024 first-round pick, 2025 first-round pick
The Orlando Magic could make some serious noise in the Eastern Conference with Zach LaVine in the fold. They could start Markelle Fultz, LaVine, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero, and Wendell Carter Jr. if Orlando’s front office figured out a way to acquire LaVine from Chicago.
The Magic haven’t made the playoffs since 2020. They are an electric scorer and 3-point shooter away from being a postseason team. LaVine is a three-level scorer who would make life easier for Wagner and Banchero.
LaVine scored a career-high 51 points this season against the Detroit Pistons. The Magic, with all due respect, don’t have anyone on the roster who can erupt for 50-plus points.
With LaVine available in trade talks, Orlando should do whatever it takes to acquire him. The team would have a “Big 3” of LaVine, Wagner and Banchero.
The New York Knicks Bring Zach LaVine To The Big Apple
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Trade Details
New York Knicks Receive: Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls Receive: RJ Barrett, Evan Fournier, 2024 first-round pick, 2027 first-round pick
The New York Knicks tried to trade for Zach LaVine this past offseason, but the Chicago Bulls’ asking price for the guard was “giant,” according to Fred Katz of The Athletic. Since LaVine hasn’t played that well this season and the Bulls are struggling, it’s possible Chicago may lower its asking price for LaVine.
The Knicks could roll out a starting lineup of Jalen Brunson, LaVine, Quentin Grimes, Julius Randle, and Mitchell Robinson if New York’s front office figured out a way to acquire LaVine from Chicago.
LaVine would look good in a Knicks jersey. His special dunks would light up the Madison Square Garden crowd. However, it’s worth mentioning that according to Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News, LaVine doesn’t want to be traded to New York despite the organization possessing the necessary assets to pursue a deal. LaVine doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract, though, so he can’t veto a trade to The Big Apple.
The Knicks need a third star next to Brunson and Randle and LaVine fits that bill. New York president Leon Rose hasn’t made a blockbuster trade since taking the Knicks’ job despite having so many connections through CAA. Let’s see if Rose makes a push to acquire LaVine.
The Philadelphia 76ers Bring Zach LaVine To The City Of Brotherly Love
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Trade Details
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls Receive: Marcus Morris, Nicolas Batum, Robert Covington, 2026 first-round pick, 2028 first-round pick, 2029 first-round pick
The Philadelphia 76ers would like to use the assets they acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers in the James Harden trade to acquire a third star next to Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. LaVine is a two-time All-Star who can score 25 points in his sleep. He’s also one of the best catch-and-shoot players in the league.
When teams double-team Embiid in the post, the big man can kick it out to LaVine for the open 3. LaVine can also create his own shot off the dribble and get to the rim at will.
Sixers president Daryl Morey has to maximize Embiid’s prime. Philadelphia hasn’t gotten past the second round of the playoffs in the Embiid era. LaVine isn’t a great defender, but he’s a gifted scorer who can help the Sixers reach the promised land.
The Sixers are interested in trading for LaVine, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, so it looks like Morey knows LaVine can be a difference-maker for his team.
The Miami Heat Bring Zach LaVine To South Beach
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Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls Receive: Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson
The Miami Heat are interested in acquiring Zach LaVine, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium. The Heat missed out on Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday, so it looks like Hall of Famer Pat Riley wants to get LaVine next to All-Stars Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.
Miami could start Kyle Lowry, LaVine, Butler, Kevin Love, and Adebayo if the Heat’s front office figured out a way to acquire LaVine from the Bulls. The Heat are 0-2 in the NBA Finals in the Butler-Adebayo era. LaVine could be the scorer and slasher Miami needs to get over the hump.
The Bulls traded Butler to the Minnesota Timberwolves on draft night in 2017 for LaVine. It would be fascinating to see LaVine and Butler play together on the Heat, who would become more explosive on offense with a dynamic scorer and shooter like LaVine.
The Los Angeles Lakers Acquire Zach LaVine To Help LeBron James And Anthony Davis
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Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2028 first-round pick swap, 2030 top-five-protected first-round pick
The Los Angeles Lakers are interested in acquiring Zach LaVine, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium. LaVine, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis have the same agent. LaVine played his college basketball at UCLA and said back in 2020 that he would love to play with LeBron.
The Lakers could start Gabe Vincent, LaVine, Jarred Vanderbilt, LeBron, and Davis if Los Angeles’ front office figured out a way to acquire LaVine from Chicago. That’s a versatile starting lineup that could do some damage in the Western Conference.
Since LaVine, Davis, and LeBron have the same agent, the writing is pretty much on the wall for the Lakers to trade for LaVine.
LaVine would be reenergized playing for the team he grew up rooting for and would provide shooting, scoring, slashing, and playmaking to a Lakers team that needs more dynamism on offense.