SUMMARY
- The Bulls have been actively trying to trade Zach LaVine before the trade deadline.
- LaVine has caught the interests of the Pistons so far, but the Kings could snatch him away.
The trade scenarios surrounding Zach LaVine have been endless lately. This season’s trade deadline is quickly approaching, but teams have been a little silent over the last few days. The biggest question ahead of the deadline is whether this 2x NBA All-Star is going to remain with the Chicago Bulls or not. Even if teams do make a run to acquire the isolation master, is there a market available?
The Pistons and Bulls have been in discussions on a Zach LaVine trade, per @JLEdwardsIII (https://t.co/p77Mqv9jFw).
Chicago is “locked in” on a package that would include Bojan Bogdanovic and one of their core young players.
Detroit has no interest including Cade Cunningham,… pic.twitter.com/Xzyokf3Bc9
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) January 25, 2024
Experts have been discussing about the possibility of LaVine being moved this season or during the summer. Right now, the issue regarding the guard is that he’s been extremely injury-prone. And his stats have not been the best either. This season, he has been averaging 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. However, he’s a lethal scorer of the ball when he is in full form and treated as the team’s No.1 option.
The Bulls have also been suffering tremendously this season and for the last few years despite having a Big 3 in their hands. Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan aren’t much of a fit on the court which is why the Bulls lack chemistry. But if LaVine gets traded, it could bring out a motivated version of himself. And if he does get traded, a top-ranked playoff team would be the ideal destination.
The Kings could put together a big offer for Zach LaVine after missing out on OG Anunoby & Pascal Siakam, via @ringer
The #Bulls Trade: Zach LaVine & Jevon Carter
The #Kings Trade: Keegan Murray, Harrison Barnes, Kevin Huerter, 2025 Lottery protected pick pic.twitter.com/0BEqIumWJg
— Die-Hard Chicago Bulls Fans (@DieHardCBfans) January 28, 2024
According to The Ringer, the Sacramento Kings could potentially work out a blockbuster deal to acquire the guard. The Kings did lose out on emerging stars like OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam recently. This opens them up to the possibility of acquiring LaVine since there aren’t too many teams around to grab him besides the Detroit Pistons.
What would the Kings have to give up to form a Big 3 including Zach LaVine?
The Kings do have a couple of assets on their hands that can be swapped for Zach LaVine. The proposed trade idea was that the Kings included Keegan Murray, Harrison Barnes, Kevin Huerter, and a 2025 lottery-protected pick.
All three of the assets named in the trade idea have been some of the biggest role players on the Kings’ roster. The Bulls could use the help while giving DeRozan a chance to shine offensively. And the Kings will have a Big 3 including De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.
Keegan Murray has been shooting extremely well from deep averaging 36.3% on 6.6 attempts per game. He has also been averaging 16 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game. This will give the Bulls a slight boost on defense in their second unit.
However, the Kings have to be able to pay LaVine big money. He has three years remaining on his five-year $215 million deal. The Kings will have to pay him an averaging $43 million per season.