NBA insider says the Philadelphia 76ers shouldn't be seen as a landing spot for Zach LaVine

Here's why Philadelphia shouldn't pursue Zach LaVine.

© Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

As Zach LaVine’s future with the Chicago Bulls remains up in the air, numerous teams have been linked to the All-Star guard, including the Philadelphia 76ers. Although the Sixers already have the fantastic duo of reigning MVP Joel Embiid and rising star Tyrese Maxey, the franchise’s front office believes that adding LaVine could be a game-changer for their title aspirations.

However, one NBA insider expressed his doubts about Philadelphia being a realistic destination for LaVine.

An unlikely suitor

Renowned NBA insider Marc Stein reports that the Sixers shouldn’t be in the mix for LaVine, as their standards do not fit with what the latter brings.

“League sources say that Philadelphia, if it indeed makes an in-season trade with the assets received in the Halloween deal that sent James Harden to the LA Clippers, is still prioritizing a two-way player …as well as a move that does not limit its future optionality,” Stein wrote.

This sentiment makes a lot of sense, considering that LaVine is neither a two-way player nor someone locked into a short-term contract. The nine-year pro has played only 18 games this season, averaging 21.0 points per game. LaVine is also just in the second year of a five-year contract, paying him over $215 million.

The #Sixers remain “in the market” for a two-way player as the February 8th trade deadline approaches, per @TheSteinLine.

"Philly keeps being mentioned as a team that's interested in Zach LaVine. That is still not the vibe that I get in my conversations,” Stein added. pic.twitter.com/P8V8omOgdM

— Philly Sixers Galaxy (@sixers_galaxy) December 24, 2023

Bulls playing better

The Bulls’ front office is now between a rock and a hard place. The Bulls have played much better of late, winning eight of their last 12 games, all of which have come with LaVine on the sidelines. 

The team is also playing a more exciting brand of basketball, with point guard Coby White lighting it up from beyond the arc and veterans DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso providing stability. This has led to increased speculation about whether the Bulls would be better off without LaVine.

LaVine is on track to return from a three-to-four-week absence next month.

The #Bulls 4th quarter stats since Zach LaVine has been out (11 games):

- 1st in Offensive Rating (132.4)
- 1st in FG% (51.5%)
- 1st in 3pt FG (54.7%)
- 1st in Effective FG% (60.3%)
- 1st in True Shooting (64.3%)
- 8-3 Record pic.twitter.com/e7GEvcAeZN

— Die-Hard Chicago Bulls Fans (@DieHardCBfans) December 23, 2023

A trade idea sends Zach LaVine from the Windy City to the Big Apple