One NBA writer is proposing that the Philadelphia 76ers trade for Chicago Bulls shooting guard Zach LaVine in a blockbuster proposal. Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report proposed the following trade idea between the Sixers and Bulls:
The Deal: Chicago Bulls trade Zach LaVine to Philadelphia 76ers for James Harden, Furkan Korkmaz and a 2029 first-round pick
“LaVine’s shortcomings may have been magnified for the mediocre Bulls, but he would be one of the league’s better second (or maybe even third, given Maxey’s development) options if playing alongside Embiid,” Bailey wrote in his latest NBA trade column. “Over the last four seasons, he’s averaged 25.5 points with a 55.8 effective field-goal percentage. With the amount of attention Embiid commands inside, LaVine’s efficiency could get even better in Philly.”
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
The Sixers would have a new Big 3 of LaVine, Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid if Philadelphia’s front office figured out a way to acquire LaVine from Chicago. Harden has requested a trade from the Sixers and doesn’t plan to report to training camp if he’s still on the team.
LaVine has appeared in 348 games with the Bulls. He’s averaging 24.5 points with Chicago and has made two All-Star teams. However, the Bulls have won only one playoff game since acquiring LaVine from the Minnesota Timberwolves in the summer of 2017 in the blockbuster Jimmy Butler trade.
The 28-year-old LaVine averaged 24.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists for the Bulls in 2022-23. He will make $40 million next season. Chicago missed the playoffs last season after making it in 2022, which is why some NBA execs thought the franchise would rebuild this offseason.
The Bulls have checked the temperature on LaVine’s trade market throughout the offseason, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports. LaVine signed a five-year, $215.2 million deal with the Bulls in July 2022.
LaVine is “not happy” his name keeps coming up in trade rumors, a league source told NBA Analysis Network. The Bulls have engaged several teams on LaVine trade opportunities since the 2022-23 season ended and the two-time Slam Dunk champion isn’t pleased by that.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
“Zach is not happy he keeps seeing his name pop up in trade rumors year after year,” the NBA source said. “He’s represented the Bulls and the city of Chicago very well. He’s made two All-Star teams. He helped them get back to the playoffs. He’s played through several injuries. He hasn’t been a locker room cancer. For whatever reason, the Bulls keep dangling him in trade talks and it’s rubbing him the wrong way.”
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