76ers Rumored to Remain Patient With Potential Zach LaVine Trade

Sixers continue to be linked to Chicago Bulls All-Star.

As trade season gets ready to officially begin in the NBA, the Philadelphia 76ers are a team to watch. Armed with the draft capital and expiring contracts that were brought in via the James Harden trade, Daryl Morey has the assets to swing another deal. In the time leading up to the February 8th trade deadline, he is sure to do his due diligence in hopes of upgrading the roster before the playoff push begins. 

So far this year, the biggest name to become available on the trade market is Chicago Bulls All-Star Zach LaVine. In his latest news dump, Shams Charania of The Athletic once again cited the Sixers as a team that could pursue LaVine. That said, his wording indicates that Morey and the front office aren't heavily seeking a trade. 

"The Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers are expected suitors for LaVine, but both are operating from positions of patience and due diligence," Shams wrote. "And now, as the Bulls have found thier stride over the past week and are just one game out of Play-In Tournament spot, teams will continue to monitor their approach with LaVine and DeMar DeRozan." 

From the beginning, the Sixers haven't seemed that interested in making a big splash. Following the Harden trade, they've had great success with their two-star model. Joel Embiid looks like an MVP candidate once again, and Tyrese Maxey continues to blossom into a star. Instead of rushing to add another high-level talent next to them, the Sixers are experimenting with a supporting cast filled with defense, length, and shooting around the duo. 

The biggest thing to consider when discussing a LaVine trade is the money. He still has close to $170 million left on his deal over the next four years. Bringing him in via trade would eat up most of the financial flexibility the Sixers have created moving forward. 

LaVine has played in 18 games this year and is averaging 21.0 PPG, 4.9 RPG, and 3.4 APG. While he is still an All-Star-caliber player, the Sixers are in the right mindset to remain patient, given their early success this season.