With the Chicago Bulls expected to begin next season with Zach LaVine on their roster, it seems the reports about his trade value being nonexistent were correct.
A productive player when healthy, LaVine has averaged 24.2 points in his seven seasons with the Bulls, but is entering the third year of his five-year, $215M contract after playing just 25 games last season. While this dynamic has kept teams away from dealing for LaVine, it could also open the door for a team to acquire him at a low price.
With the Golden State Warriors unwilling to part with either Jonathan Kuminga or Brandin Podziemski in their trade pursuits of Paul George and Lauri Markkanen, perhaps they could acquire LaVine for a price they’re willing to pay.
During a recent appearance on KNBR’s Murph & Markus Morning Show, NBA insider Marc Spears said the Warriors should take a chance on LaVine.
“I think it’s worth taking a chance on Zach LaVine,” Spears said. “… If you’re going to take a risk on Zach LaVine, I think they have the roster to do it with… If he can be healthy, I think he puts the Warriors in a different atmosphere.”
The Warriors are in desperate need of another high-level scorer next to Steph Curry, which is a role LaVine can fill.
Any deal would depend on the price, but if Golden State can add a scorer like LaVine without dealing away the coveted assets they held onto in other trade negotiations, it could make sense.
