Bulls 'Gauging Trade Interest' for SG Zach LaVine; Magic Involved in Talks?
Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine will always be remembered as an NBA Dunk Contest legend. As a back-to-back champion in 2015 and 2016, LaVine is one of only four players in league history to claim that title (Michael Jordan, Nate Robinson and Jason Richardson.)
But outside of his high-flying ability, LaVine has proven to be one of the associations best scorers over his nine career seasons.
Despite his elite shot-making ability, Yahoo! Sports reports that the Bulls have started reaching out to teams regarding trade packages.
“Wishful executives will keep their eyes peeled on Portland and Damian Lillard, but it’s the Chicago Bulls who have started contacting teams, quietly gauging the trade interest in Zach LaVine, league sources told Yahoo Sports,” Yahoo! Sports writes. “It remains to be seen just how willing Chicago is to part ways with LaVine, or if it receives a commensurate offer for his services.
Posting over 23.5 points in each of the past five seasons, LaVine averaged 24.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists on .485/.375/.848 shooting splits in 2022.
And one potential destination for two-time All Star could be the Orlando Magic, who have been linked to the UCLA product over the past month. Bleacher Report recently suggested for Orlando to send Gary Harris, Jonathan Isaac, Jalen Suggs and the No. 11 pick in this year's draft for LaVine.
"As soon as he enters Orlando, he'd take control of this offense while simultaneously scratching itches for shooting, volume scoring and off-the-dribble creativity," Bleacher Report writes.
With draft capital, young talent and plenty of cap space, it would be surprising for the Magic to not at least entertain trade ideas heading into the offseason. But whether or not the answer is LaVine is a whole different story.
You can follow Riley Sheppard on Twitter @RileyDSheppard.
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