The 2023-24 NBA season has gone from bad to worse for the Chicago Bulls. The losses have continued to pile up for Chicago as tensions rise and rumors of the roster imploding continue to grow. Of all the names who have been tossed around the rumor mill, the name most often discussed is two-time All-Star Zach LaVine, for whom it seems like a matter of when, not if, he’s traded.

Chicago has remained patient in trade talks so far, but with each added loss, the Bulls’—and, more importantly, LaVine’s—patience could understandably be approaching its limit.

While it seems like a near certainty that LaVine will be traded, where he finds his next NBA home is far from certain. LaVine has spoken on what the ideal team around him would look like, and based on those comments, the Los Angeles Lakers and, to a lesser degree, the Philadelphia 76ers.

However, would either of those landing spots truly be the best destination for him? If they’re not, what would be the best spot for him? And, for that matter, what would be the worst?

Best Destination for LaVine — Orlando Magic

The surprise team of the 2023-24 NBA season, the Orlando Magic, are proving themselves far ahead of their initial projections. With a 16-7 record ranking second in the Eastern Conference, Orlando has built its success by limiting shots defensively while offensively focusing on ball movement and cutting.

LaVine’s defensive reputation may not make him a natural fit to contribute to Orlando defensively, but Orlando’s defense would be able to mask his shortcomings. Specifically, the defensive capability of both Markelle Fultz and Jalen Suggs would greatly limit the ill effects of LaVine’s questionable ability on that end of the court.

Offensively, LaVine would fit like a glove with the Magic. The attention both Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner would command would lessen the offensive burden placed on LaVine. While neither has proven to be the scoring threat that DeMar DeRozan is in terms of volume, both Banchero and Wagner are more well-rounded

Then, there’s the PACE of the Magic. PACE is a relatively simple advanced stat referring to the number of possessions a team uses during a game. The Magic may not be among the NBA elite (15th overall), but it’s a vast improvement over Chicago’s current pace (30th overall).

Over LaVine’s most successful years in Chicago, the Bulls were a roughly middle-of-the-pack team in terms of pace, averaging out to around the 15th-best team in terms of PACE between the 2019-2023 NBA seasons.

LaVine is also a more than capable shooter, arguably the Magic’s greatest need. Orlando currently ranks 24th in three-point percentage and 30th in three-point attempts per game. LaVine tends to be an effective high-volume shooter from deep, making him an ideal trade candidate for the Orlando Magic, while the Magic’s competitive drive and defensive acumen make them the best destination.

Worst Destination for LaVine — Charlotte Hornets

The Orlando Magic are the best destination for Zach LaVine in large part due to the team’s identity as one of the NBA’s top defensive squads and their competitive drive. With that being the case, it goes to figure that a team that could be considered the opposite in both regards would be among the worst destinations.

On the surface, the Charlotte Hornets seem like a logical landing spot for Zach LaVine. They play with PACE, boast one of the top point guards in the NBA, and would allow LaVine the type of basketball freedom that most players pine for.

However, the Hornets are among the worst defensive squads in the league. They are among the bottom five in points allowed per game, fourth-worst in three-point percentage allowed, and second-worst in defensive rating.

While a team like Orlando would be able to mask LaVine’s shortcomings defensively, Charlotte would have the opposite effect. While certain teams like the Indiana Pacers have made an all-offensive approach, the Hornets are not nearly as fast or efficient. Even with the addition of LaVine, there’s no certainty that Charlotte would find that same level of success.

Beyond the one-sided style of play that acquiring LaVine would only encourage, the Hornets’ current place in the NBA landscape also remains an issue. Charlotte boasts an assortment of young talent, from star point guard LaMelo Ball to rising big man Mark Williams and 2023 No. 3 overall pick Brandon Miller. However, that core is not exactly ready to compete.

Chicago’s failure to compete has noticeably rubbed LaVine the wrong way. A change of scenery but not of scenario could hardly be considered an improvement for LaVine. What would the point of all of this be only for him to end up in a similar situation?

LaVine is averaging 21.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists this season. He will certainly prove to be a significant addition for whichever team acquires him, but that doesn’t mean just any team should make the trade. As is always the case, there is more to a deal than simply adding talent. Suitors for LaVine would be wise to keep that in mind.

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