Who Wants Zach LaVine?

Multiple teams seem to be in contention, but one is emerging as a frontrunner.

© Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Prior to their 4 game-win streak, the Bulls hadn’t won back-to-back games to start the season. Yet, after Zach LaBine got hurt, the Bulls not only won 2 games in a row, they won four. 

With reports of him being sidelined for 3-4 weeks, it seems like he may have played his last game in Chicago. But now the question everyone is wondering is, where will he go next, and when?

Possible Destinations

Numerous reports are saying different things, and rumors circulated by fans and media outlets do nothing but cause false speculation. However, Shams Charania of the Atlantic, one of the most trusted NBA reporters, recently cited the Lakers as the frontrunners to get LaVine, though both Philadelphia and Miami are in the mix as well.

The main problem for teams is his contract, which would require his new team to pay upwards of $40 million a year. The Lakers currently have 2 players scoring 23+ points per game, and adding a third in LaVine would increase their already powerful offense. However, the Lakers would have to give up a lot, and Chicago’s interest lies in gaining defensive players in return.

The Lakers have been burned like this before, though, when they traded Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, losing defensive pieces at the expense of offense. Alex Caruso, who the Lakers would love along with LaVine, has been deemed untouchable by Chicago, which makes LA more hesitant to make the deal.

Sooner than Later?

Several executives believe Zach LaVine will be traded to the #Lakers soon, per @ActionNetworkHQ

The #Bulls would be receiving a package around DLo. pic.twitter.com/lk5ASFhUy0

— Die-Hard Chicago Bulls Fans (@DieHardCBfans) December 12, 2023

Matt Moore of The Action Network reported that the Lakers will be the team LaVine goes to, with a likely package including D’Angelo Russell. However, the Bulls are looking for defense, and following their performance without him, they are averaging not only better defense but have jumped from last in the league to assists, to within the top 10 over the last 5 games.

The Chicago Bulls are looking for win-now players on the trade market, per @mikeascotto

“They’re looking for players that can help them win now and maybe a pick down the line if they can add to their cupboard.”

(Via https://t.co/CoL8ywbb3d) pic.twitter.com/564tZ0EglW

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 12, 2023

Spurred by this new resurgence, the Bulls are entering a win-now mode, which may seem surprising given their 9-16 record. However, Coby White has exploded in the absence of LaVine, and with the potential to improve the roster, the Bulls seem to be excited with the potential of their current roster.

If the Bulls are in win-now mode, it is in their interest to get a trade done and start stringing some more wins together. It may take time for the new players to get acclimated, but the earlier, the better for Chicago. Will the LaVine saga finally end, or will fans and the team have to keep waiting?

Despite the recent string of success sans Zach LaVine, Coby White says the team still needs him