"He's just floating out there": Carmelo Anthony weighs in on Zach LaVine trade situation with the Bulls
Former NBA superstar Carmelo Anthony weighed in on the Zach LaVine situation. The 10x NBA All-Star discussed the lack of suitors for the Chicago Bull shooting guard, while also admitting to scratching his head with the whole situation. LaVine has been one of the marquee names not finding a suitable team in free agency despite being linked to multiple teams.
With the hefty contract and injury issues attached to the guard, there has been a lack of interest for the star this summer, and Anthony believed that with the right team and good health, LaVine could make a difference.
"He's just floating out there. I don't understand what's happening with Zach LaVine. He's a talent. He is somebody that if you get him on your team, you put him with a very good situation. You're gonna see how good he really is... That kid is super talented."
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The Bulls swingman was linked to his hometown team LA Lakers and the LA Clippers. The Miami Heat and the Philadelphia 76ers were looked at as potential homes, but there has been no movement on any front so far. LaVine is expected to suit up for the new-look Bulls on opening night.
Zach LaVine played just 25 games this past season after a foot injury saw him shut down early. He averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists. Overall, the 2x NBA All-Star has a career average of 20.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game.
Zach LaVine was heavily linked to the Lakers this summer
With the LA Lakers missing out on landing Klay Thompson, DeMar DeRozan, Jonas Valenciunas, and even Lauri Markkanen, the spotlight was firmly on Zach LaVine as one of the remaining options the Purple and Gold could swing for. However, the trail continues to remain cold even as the rumor mills churn.
The fact that LaVine is represented by Klutch Sports — the talent management that handles LeBron James and Anthony Davis was looked at as the primary reason. The second was the addition of a third big star alongside their star duo. But adding LaVine meant LA dealing a chunk of their suitable role players to accommodate his massive contract — a move that Lakers GM Rob Pelinka seems unwilling to make.
In the end, there's every chance the Lakers could land Zach LaVine ahead of the deadline. They are running it back with the same roster as the last season-and-a-half, and if they hit a storm early on, the guard, if healthy, just might be the answer.