The Toronto Raptors are considered a landing spot for Chicago Bulls shooting guard Zach LaVine.
Sam Quinn of CBS Sports believes the Raptors will be a “dark horse” for LaVine, who is open to getting traded by the Bulls.
“The solution here would be for the Raptors to trade the oldest (Pascal Siakam) for assets from one of the many forward-needy contenders that they could then flip to Chicago for LaVine in an effort to balance out the roster,” Quinn wrote. “Even LaVine could be a part of an elite defense if the other four starters were Dennis Schroder, OG Anunoby, Scottie Barnes and Jakob Poeltl. His presence offensively would change everything.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors Updates
LaVine is averaging 21.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.0 assists this season while shooting 40.7% from the field, 33.0% from beyond the arc and 87.1% from the free-throw line. The two-time All-Star and two-time Slam Dunk Contest champion scored a career-high 51 points against the Detroit Pistons in the third game of the season.
LaVine signed a five-year, $215.2 million contract with the Bulls in July 2022. The UCLA product doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract, so he can’t control where he gets traded.
“So, just as the Raptors were a dark horse for Lillard, they will be a dark horse for LaVine as well,” Quinn wrote. “A deal makes sense, but what makes sense is rarely what actually happens in Toronto.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors Updates
The 28-year-old LaVine has career averages of 20.5 points with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Bulls. The Raptors’ offense would become more explosive if Toronto’s front office figured out a way to acquire LaVine from Chicago.
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