5 ideal landing spots for Zach LaVine amid Bulls overhauling roster with Alex Caruso trade
Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine has started to grow his trade marketability following the recent transaction with Alex Caruso. The Bulls look to overhaul their roster as they've made a deal to trade Caruso for Josh Giddey on Thursday. According to Bulls insider Joe Cowley, LaVine could be the next player to be traded.
The two-time All-Star didn't have the best 2023-24 campaign as his numbers decreased. LaVine spent most of the year on the sidelines as he dealt with injuries. He finished the year with 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 25 games.
His time with the Bulls could come to an end this year, and here are teams that could land him for next season.
5 ideal landing spots for Zach LaVine
#5. Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic had a great 2023-24 season as they returned to the postseason. They showed promise but are also one player away from being legit contenders. Given that their team is composed of young players, having a veteran star like Zach LaVine could be the key.
Last month, longtime Bulls insider Sam Smith touched on the possibility of the Bulls executing a trade with the Magic.
"Zach could provide that, and Orlando showed they need a third scoring option," Smith said (via NBA.com). ... "The Magic has a cart load of cap space and could absorb a lot of Zach’s contract."
#4. Sacramento Kings
Missing the 2024 NBA playoffs wasn't part of the Sacramento Kings' plans. However, it opened up their eyes to see that the roster needs someone like LaVine. The Kings don't have other options when it comes to scoring aside from Domantas Sabonis and De'Aaron Fox.
Sacramento finished ninth in the league in scoring. To improve the offense, they could pursue LaVine. Having another 20-point scorer could benefit their offensive-focused strategy.
#3. Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers are looking to add another star to play with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Initially, the Sixers targeted Paul George. However, their interest in the All-Star forward started to wane over the past few days.
This has allowed the Bulls to enter the market and potentially trade LaVine. His addition to the team will help Embiid offensively. Over the past seasons, the high-volume shooting from the former UCLA star has helped the Bulls' offense.
#2. LA Lakers
The LA Lakers need a tertiary star that would fit well in their goals of competing for a title while LeBron James still plays at an elite level. The Lakers also need a star who could be around the team once James calls it quits and help Anthony Davis in the potential rebuilding phase.
LaVine could be the perfect candidate as he is a capable and efficient scorer. It also helps that the Bulls star and James are both clients of Rich Paul.
#1. San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are planning on the future of their franchise as Victor Wembanyama is starting to take over. The Spurs don't want to waste time and having an accomplished star like Zach LaVine could immediately turn them into contenders.
Pairing him with Wemby will be problematic as both stars are snipers from long range. Forming a dynamic duo with LaVine could help the career of the French center, possibly aiding him reach the postseason.