The Philadelphia 76ers could target Chicago Bulls shooting guard Zach LaVine and Toronto Raptors small forward OG Anunoby as trade targets after trading 10-time All-Star James Harden to the Los Angeles Clippers, according to NBA insider Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated.
The Sixers would like to use the assets they acquired in the Harden trade to get a third star next to Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
LaVine is one of the best scorers in the NBA. He’s averaging 24.5 points for the Bulls this season. Meanwhile, Anunoby is an elite two-way player. He’s averaging 13.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.0 steals for the Raptors.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, OG Anunoby, James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Rival teams have checked in with the Bulls about LaVine‘s availability, according to NBA insider Jamal Collier of ESPN. However, no team has been willing to meet Chicago’s asking price for LaVine, who signed a five-year, $215.2 million contract in July 2022.
Anunoby is eligible to sign a four-year, $116 million extension with the Raptors. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, Anunoby is looking for greater ball-handling opportunities that can result in a commensurate salary increase.
LaVine has career NBA averages of 20.5 points with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Bulls. He scored 51 points on October 28 against the Detroit Pistons. The Bulls engaged several teams on LaVine trade opportunities during the offseason and LaVine was “not happy” about it, a league source told NBA Analysis Network. The UCLA product’s future with Chicago is one the Sixers should track.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, OG Anunoby, James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
As for Anunoby, with Jerami Grant signing a five-year, $160 million contract from the Portland Trail Blazers, the market for Anunoby could become complicated. Maybe that’s what pushes the Raptors to trade Anunoby so they don’t lose him for nothing next offseason if the All-NBA defender declines his 2024-25 player option and enters free agency.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
Interested in reading the latest storylines and analysis in the NFL? Check out our partner NFL Analysis Network.
