The Toronto Raptors are interested in acquiring Zach LaVine from the Chicago Bulls, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.
Teams are probing the availability of LaVine and there’s been increased openness from the Bulls and LaVine about exploring a trade.
LaVine is averaging 22.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists this season while shooting 42.4% from the floor, 33.3% from 3 and 87.0% from the free-throw line. He scored a career-high 51 points against the Detroit Pistons on October 28.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors Updates
LaVine signed a five-year, $215.2 million contract with the Bulls in July 2022. The two-time All-Star doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract, so he can’t control where he gets traded.
Sam Quinn of CBS Sports believes the Raptors will be a “dark horse” for LaVine, who is represented by Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group.
“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.”
LaVine would like to land with the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, San Antonio Spurs or Sacramento Kings, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports. The Lakers, Heat and Sixers, like the Raptors, are interested in acquiring LaVine, who has career averages of 20.6 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Bulls.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors Updates
The Raptors’ offense would become more dynamic if Toronto’s front office figured out a way to acquire LaVine from Chicago. It will be interesting to see if Masai Ujiri pulls off a deal.
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