Of the players currently on the NBA trade block, Chicago Bulls wing Zach LaVine might have the most trade value. It was noted earlier this summer that Chicago is willing to listen to offers for the All-Star.
Another report indicated that LaVine would net more in return than three-time All-Star Bradley Beal. Now that Beal is off the market and headed to the Phoenix Suns, attention turns to LaVine ahead of Thursday night’s NBA Draft.
According to this report from K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago, there’s a baseline in what the Bulls would accept for LaVine in a trade. Johnson indicates that the Bulls are focused on getting a “good young player, multiple first-round picks and a cap filler.” A first-round pick and a “high-end player” might also get it done.
In no way is it a surprise that Chicago is demanding more than what the Washington Wizards received for Beal. First off, Beal had a full no-trade clause. He was able to dictate where he went. LaVine’s five-year, $215 million contract also isn’t seen as an albatross like Beal’s deal was before he headed to the Western Conference.
Related: Sportsnaut’s updated NBA trade rumors
Zach LaVine trade market will not be limited
A first-round pick of the Minnesota Timberwolves back in 2014, LaVine has turned into one of the better two-way wings in the league. Specifically, the former UCLA standout has performed at a high clip over the past four seasons.
- Zach LaVine stats (2019-23): 25.5 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 4.5 APG, 48% shooting, 39% 3-point
Seen as more of an athlete than anything else when he entered the Association, LaVine has upped his game at nearly every turn. This past season saw him finish with a career-best 2.9 defensive win shares while boasting a .558 effective field goal percentage.
It also must be noted that the 28-year-old LaVine is under contract through at least the next three seasons. With the NBA salary cap expected to increase leaps and bounds during this span, his deal will be seen as somewhat of a bargain should he continue playing at a high level.
Based on the Chicago Bulls’ reported asking price for LaVine, it’s expected multiple teams will come calling. It’s all going to be about who has the assets to make a blockbuster move of this ilk.
Related: 4 ideal Zach LaVine trade destinations this summer
The Dallas Mavericks are said to be looking for another star to team up with Luka Doncic. That’s true even if Kyrie Irving returns in free agency. They can offer up multiple first-round picks, including the 10th selection in Thursday’s NBA Draft. Young guards Jaden Hardy and Josh Green could also be of interest to Chicago.
Remaining out west, the Golden State Warriors were in on Beal before he was sent to Phoenix. The 2022 NBA champions have two intriguing young pieces in Jordan Poole and Jonathan Kuminga. They also have multiple future first-round picks to offer up.
If Chicago were willing to move Zach LaVine to an Eastern Conference rival, the market in a trade would open up even more. That includes the Miami Heat and Brooklyn Nets, two teams who are already being linked to a certain seven-time All-Star in trade talks.
The New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers, Portland Trail Blazers and Sacramento Kings are other teams who might get involved.
If the Bulls are serious about moving LaVine, they’ll get an offer to their liking. Whether that happens this week remains to be seen. But it would not be a major surprise at this point.