While the Chicago Bulls scour the league in their efforts to send Zach LaVine to a new home, NBC Sports Chicago’s K.C. Johnson reports that he’s “led to believe that there are still two teams” interested in trading for the two-time All-Star.
“Again, everything’s fluid…”
“I’ve been led to believe that there are two teams that are still at least having conversations with a glimmer of hope, however you want to phrase it…,” Johnson continues. “What I will say is I’ve written the (Sacramento) Kings and (Golden State) Warriors are the two teams I’m still monitoring.”
“But we said all along, it may not happen and I gained some traction on this podcast by saying there is a scenario in which (he) returns, and that scenario is the Bulls can’t find a trade for him. So we’ll see how it plays out… it is still an organization priority to try to trade Zach.”
Johnson cautions against assuming that the Bulls will be able to move LaVine. Nonetheless, the Bulls front office still considers trading him to be “an organization priority.” The 29-year-old has three years and $138 million remaining on his contract, with an average annual salary of $46 million.
Western Conference Playoff Hopefuls Still in on Zach LaVine Trade
Is The Contract Criticism Fair?
When considering that he’s being paid similarly to Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet, LaVine’s deal doesn’t seem so bad. In terms of talent level and skillset, he’s close to Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, who’ll make $49.2 million next season. Yet, Booker has yet to have a major injury, while LaVine has had two.
In Feb. 2017, LaVine tore his left ACL, limiting him to 47 games in the 2016-17 season. Due to the timing of his injury, he didn’t make his Bulls debut until Jan. 2018. Last season, he was limited to 25 games in 2023-24 due to a foot injury. His injury history isn’t the worst there is, but it’s substantially different than Booker’s.
In an even more stark comparison, the final years of LaVine’s contract mirror Dallas Mavericks playmaker Luka Doncic’s. For a player who has only helped his team get in the playoffs once, that’s incomprehensible. Or at least so it seems.
To be fair to LaVine though, few players were likely to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves —who drafted him —to the playoffs. A franchise that’s regained popularity with Anthony Edwards as its face, the Timberwolves were once one of the league’s most dysfunctional organizations. Furthermore, in his first three seasons the Bulls, his best teammate was pre-breakout Lauri Markannen. That version wasn’t an All-Star but fighting not to be considered a bust, his development far from linear.
However, immediately after adding DeMar DeRozan (and Lonzo Ball) to their core, Chicago reached the playoffs. It was their first time achieving that feat since 2017, when LaVine was still in Minnesota. In 2022-23, they failed to clinch a playoff berth but were just 1.0 game behind the eighth-seed Atlanta Hawks. This despite Ball, their starting point guard and best two-way playmaker, missing the entire season.
Does Zach LaVine Fit Kings, Warriors?
Ultimately, if placed in the right situation, LaVine can help a team reach the playoffs. What’s clear is that he needs at least one All-Star beside him and DeRozan filled that role in Chicago. He also can’t be relied on the spearhead the defense or be the primary facilitator, which is what the Bulls were missing in Ball’s absence.
Fortunately for Kings and Warriors, they have at least one All-Star apiece. Sacramento’s De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis are recognized as two of the best players at their position league-wide. Golden State still employs future Hall of Fame guard Stephen Curry.
Furthermore, both have game-changing perimeter defenders. The Kings’ defense is enhanced by Keegan Murray’s ability to switch onto multiple players. In 2023-24, Fox led the NBA in steals per game (2.0). The Warriors are anchored by Draymond Green, one of the best defenders of all-time. At his best, former No. 1 pick Andrew Wiggins makes life extra difficult for would-be scorers.
The Kings Make A Lot Of Sense
Golden State has less of a reason to trade for LaVine than Sacramento with Buddy Hield on his way to the Bay. They could still use LaVine’s scoring punch and shooting stroke in the starting lineup if Hield comes off the bench. Nonetheless, they may want to hold onto their limited assets for a safer acquisition.
With that being said, due the Kings’ longstanding interest in LaVine, it wouldn’t be surprising if he did end up in Sactown. If they did, it’ll be a bit like dating the girl who got away. To that point, LaVine signed an $80 million offer sheet (and that Bulls matched) in 2018.
Notably, the Bulls are said to be fans of Kings shooting guard Kevin Huerter, who they wanted to draft in 2021.
The Chicago Bulls are reportedly ‘fans’ of Kevin Huerter, per @KCJHoop pic.twitter.com/vhjiXl8m2q
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 3, 2024
If Sacramento can get LaVine without giving up Murray or much (if any) draft capital, LaVine’s new threads may have a distinctly royal hue.
