First blood from the 2024 offseason has been drawn as the OKC Thunder and Chicago Bulls agreed on a one-for-one swap which sent Alex Caruso to the Thunder for Josh Giddey. With this first move made, reputed Bulls insider K.C. Johnson claims the team is actively looking to move LaVine, with the Jazz and 76ers interested.
“League sources reiterated that the Bulls remain active on several trade fronts centered on Zach LaVine, including with the Utah Jazz and Philadelphia 76ers. Does this take-a-step-back move make DeMar DeRozan consider unrestricted free agency more strongly?”
Philadelphia reporter Kyle Neubeck has disputed the 76ers’ interest in LaVine, saying the team has been set on not pursuing LaVine since the 2024 trade deadline.
“Spoke to a league source who said Sixers position on Zach LaVine has not changed since the trade deadline. Philly is not interested in pursuing.”
The Athletic’s Darnell Mayberry revealed that the Giddey acquisition could also open the door for Lonzo Ball being moved out of the team, whether on a trade or as a contract buyout.
“Giddey’s acquisition also further clouds the Bulls’ plans for recovering point guard Lonzo Ball, who hasn’t played since January 2022 but is expected to make a comeback next season. It’s impossible to not view Giddey as insurance in case Ball doesn’t return. By bringing in Giddey, the Bulls also might have signaled they’re ready to move on from Ball. A trade or buyout could be likely.”
LaVine averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists last season, struggling with injuries while being openly upset with the direction of the franchise. They couldn’t find a deal to trade him over the winter but the summer might be easier given the roster flexibility teams have right now.
Lonzo hasn’t played since 2022, so there’s no telling what condition he’ll return to the court in next season. He is expected to play basketball again, but if the Bulls buy him out, he might be a very intriguing risk signing for a team in need of a playmaker.
Possible Destinations For Zach LaVine
LaVine is a magnetic scorer who can almost guarantee averaging over 20 points as a starter, but there are concerns about his durability and willingness to commit to a winning program.
He has made the Playoffs once in his 10-year NBA career while cultivating a reputation as a low-effort defender. Nobody is questioning his offensive brilliance, but teams will have to be cautious with a possible LaVine acquisition.
The biggest complication with LaVine is the fact he’s owed over $130 million in salary over the next three seasons. Very few contenders can afford to have LaVine take such a huge portion of their cap, especially with the realities of the new second apron.
Teams like the Jazz are well-placed to accommodate LaVine’s salary while working their way to becoming a winner. Contenders like the Lakers and 76ers are considered to be out of the race entirely, which means a young project that needs a scorer could be his best destination.
If the Jazz can’t get a deal done, the Orlando Magic should consider adding LaVine. They have a strong defensive base to cover his deficiencies while his offensive talent would make him the No. 1 perimeter scoring option.
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support.
