One NBA writer is proposing that the New York Knicks acquire Zach LaVine from the Chicago Bulls.
Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report proposed the following trade idea between the Knicks and Bulls:
Zach LaVine for RJ Barrett, Evan Fournier, a 2024 first-round pick and a 2027 first-round pick
The Knicks tried to trade for LaVine this past offseason, but the Bulls’ asking price for the two-time All-Star was “giant,” according to Fred Katz of The Athletic.
Teams have checked in with the Bulls about LaVine‘s availability, according to 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.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks Updates
Bailey thinks the Bulls trading LaVine to the Knicks for Barrett and Fournier would help both teams.
“Replacing Barrett with LaVine’s explosive scoring ability and outside shooting would open up the floor for the slashing of Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle and increase the team’s chances of winning a second-round series,” Bailey wrote. “For Chicago, this obviously fits with the rebuilding strategy laid out in the previous slide. The Bulls need an entirely new start, and getting multiple picks for DeRozan and LaVine would provide a good foundation for the rebuild.”
The Knicks could roll out a starting lineup of Jalen Brunson, LaVine, Quentin Grimes, Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson if New York’s front office figured out a way to acquire LaVine from Chicago.
LaVine is averaging 21.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists through 11 games this season. He scored a career-high 51 points against the Detroit Pistons on October 28. The Knicks would undoubtedly become more explosive offensively if they added LaVine.
During an interview with Julia Poe of The Chicago Tribune, LaVine spoke about being in trade rumors every season.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks Updates
“I’ve been traded before,” LaVine said. “Trades are just part of the business and guys get shuffled around every year. I’ve been in trade talks since I’ve been here for some reason. I feel like I’ve held up my end of the bargain in my commitment to the Bulls, but there’s not a lot you can do with rumors and people putting your name in trade talks.”
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