76ers Rival Bulls Reportedly Considering Moving Star Player
When the Philadelphia 76ers flipped James Harden for a package of veterans and draft picks, many expected that another move could follow later down the road. Following recent developments, they could enter the mix to acquire an All-Star-caliber player.
On Tuesday afternoon, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that teams around the NBA are monitoring Chicago Bulls All-Star Zach LaVine. He also cited there is a growing openness from both the organization and player to explore trade avenues.
Along with Charania's details of the situation, Bulls writer Darnell Mayberry reported that the team's roster could look very different in just a month's time.
Following their 4-7 start to the regular season, the Bulls could be leaning towards making changes. The biggest move would be trading away their star player in LaVine.
LaVine, 28, is a star-level player in the prime of his career. Through 11 games this season, he is averaging 21.9 PPG, 4.8 RPG, and 3.0 APG. As for his contract, LaVine is in the second year of a five-year, $215 million deal. However, the fifth year of the contract is a player option.
While some analysts have warned the Sixers against a move like this, it's something still worth considering. Taking a big swing like this would limit their financial flexibility moving forward but would bring another high-level scorer into the mix.
For the past five seasons, LaVine has been a near 25-point-per-game scorer. On top of that, he's an efficient three-point shooter on high volume. From a fit standpoint, he's someone who could instantly come in and thrive against a player like Joel Embiid.
The Sixers already have a ton of firepower with Embiid and Maxey. Bringing in LaVine would give them one of the top offensive trios in the league. Surrounded by a supporting cast full of defensive-minded veterans, this roster construction could have the potential to compete with the rest of the NBA's top contenders.
