Zach LaVine – G – Chicago Bulls
Given the Bulls’ lack of success through the years, Zach LaVine has become a player that has been involved in a lot of NBA trade rumors and scenarios. The Bulls have not made the playoffs in three consecutive seasons now, but over that time span, he has been getting better and better.
Since joining the Bulls, Zach LaVine has been their best player year-in and year-out, averaging 22.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.2 steals and shooting 43.3% from the floor and 36.5% from three-point range. He has been this organization’s only bright spot as they have won just 71 games since acquiring him as they have been rebuilding for years now.
It’s clear that Zach LaVine was on the verge of making his first All-Star game last season after averaging 25.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists and shooting 45% from the floor and 38% from three-point range.
The only thing holding him back in his career is the team he is on, which is why Zach LaVine could be a guy that gets dealt near the NBA trade deadline.
Zach LaVine is a guy who can score in bunches and with other high-level talents around him, he could be a championship-level player. In Chicago, he has no chance to win and even if they made the playoffs by some rare chance, they would be nothing more than a first-round exit.
Another reason why Zach LaVine is an attractive name on the NBA trade market is because of his contract length and salary. He is only owed $19.5M this season and next season, which is pretty affordable given his talents.
Championship contending teams looking to add another star-level player would be able to package one or two role players together, as well as some draft picks to acquire Zach LaVine, which is why his name will be monitored all the way up to the NBA trade deadline.