Report points to Zach LaVine as a player who will most likely get traded this offseason
Zach #Zach
The trade of All-Star wingman Bradley Beal to the Phoenix Suns to form the latest “Big 3” of the NBA may have been just a prelude of things to come this offseason. With the NBA Draft set for Thursday, June 22, and free agency expected to start shortly thereafter, Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report predicts that the Chicago Bulls’ Zach LaVine may be the next domino to fall.
Kick off a rebuild
The Bulls’ decision-makers, led by executive vice president Arturas Karnisovas have long asserted that they’re going to lean into continuity and use their current core to build a winning culture in Chicago. However, there are plenty of questions about the viability of that decision, especially since that very same roster floundered all season long. LaVine is a talented player who could bring back a significant return if the Bulls were willing to move him this offseason.
“LaVine has four years and $178 million remaining on his contract, an average of $44.5 million per season. While he’s a two-time All-Star, he has registered a negative swing rating in seven of his nine seasons, with the Bulls actually coming in 1.7 points per 100 possessions worse with him on the floor this year,” Swartz wrote.
Not the franchise player the Bulls need?
The Bulls handed LaVine a five-year, $215 million deal that began this season. In hindsight, it looks like a hefty price tag for a player who hasn’t been able to take any of his teams past the first round of the playoffs.
“LaVine is a tremendously talented player, yet this ability has never translated to winning basketball. A trade to a franchise in a better position could change this and help provide future salary relief for Chicago,” added Swartz.
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