76ers Rival Rumors: Bulls’ Zach LaVine on Trade Block
Will the Chicago Bulls begin to tear down their core set of players and head toward a soft rebuild? So far, it seems Chicago is considering that scenario as there are rumors going around stating that the star scorer Zach LaVine is on the trade block.
According to Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer, the Bulls have started contacting teams and have been described as “quietly gauging” the trade interest in LaVine.
Does that mean LaVine is surely on the outs? Not quite. For starters, this isn’t the first time LaVine’s name has been tossed around in trade rumors. Over the last couple of years, LaVine was viewed as a potential sleeper target for several contending teams. However, trade discussions didn’t get very far.
So far, the Bulls are taking it slow with this situation. Per Fischer, it remains to be seen how willing the Bulls are to part ways with LaVine. Right now, they are still in the early phases, searching the standout’s market to see what they could potentially land for LaVine.
Would the Sixers Get Involved?
In the past, the Sixers were linked to LaVine, but there were never any signs of serious conversations taking place between the Bulls and the Sixers.
So far, Philadelphia has no connection to LaVine whatsoever. Could that change? Well, it all depends on Philadelphia’s ten-time All-Star guard, James Harden.
Currently, Harden has a second-year player option at his disposal. The league-wide expectation is that he’ll opt out and hit the open market. If and when he does, Harden will get attention from the Houston Rockets and potentially the Phoenix Suns.
Predictions about where Harden could potentially land have changed by the day, but as free agency inches closer, the Sixers are gaining the advantage and quickly becoming favorites to retain Harden. If that’s the case, then LaVine probably won’t get much of a look from Philadelphia.
However, if Harden takes his talents elsewhere, the Sixers would have to explore other options. In the event that happens, perhaps the Bulls could get a call from Daryl Morey and the 76ers.
LaVine wouldn’t necessarily fit the bill of a Harden-like playmaker, but he’s a proven three-level scorer who’s been dominant for the last five seasons. Since his first full season in Chicago, LaVine has averaged 25 points, five assists, and four rebounds while knocking down 48 percent of his shots and hitting on 39 percent of his threes.
Only time will tell if the Sixers will take a crack at negotiating a deal to land LaVine. So far, the focus remains on getting Harden back to the City of Brotherly Love.