Over the past six years, Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine has averaged nearly 25 points, more than four assists, more than four rebounds and a steal per game. He has made the All-Star team twice, has shot 38.5% from three and has averaged just under 60 games played per season. Few teams have someone as prolific as LaVine and many would want a player with that solid stat line.
However, a history of injuries and a gigantic salary prevent him from finding a new home in the NBA. LaVine is owed more than $89 million over the next few seasons, and then has a $48,967,380 player option in 2026-27.
In recent years, the Bulls were asking a high price for LaVine, but the price has dropped significantly lately, according to NBC Sports Chicago. But while both LaVine and the Bulls seem to recognize that it’s time to move on from their frayed relationship that has spanned seven seasons, finding a home for the 29-year-old former first-round pick is difficult. Here are four potential landing spots for LaVine: four teams that could use his combination of scoring and playmaking while taking on his sizable contract.
Philadelphia 76ers
The Chicago Bulls get: draft picks
Philadelphia 76ers get:Zach LaVine
This summer, the Philadelphia 76ers will only have Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul Reed on their books. That leaves a considerable amount of cap space open to play with. Rumors abound that the team plans to pursue Paul George in free agency. But it’s also very possible that George will stay in his hometown of Los Angeles with the Clippers. If the 76ers go with their first option, could they turn to LaVine? If the price is right, maybe. Maybe all they would have to give up is a low first-round pick or even a second-round pick or two?
the Los Angeles Lakers
The Chicago Bulls get: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent
the Los Angeles Lakers get:Zach LaVine
Would the Bulls accept a trio of salaries for their former two-time All-Star? Would the Lakers take LaVine along with LeBron James and Anthony Davis in hopes he can stay healthy in the Southern California sun? If LaVine was able to put together an All-Star caliber season, that could mean a lot for the Lakers: A top four of James, Davis, LaVine and Austin Reaves could give the Lakers a top-six spot in the Western Conference. , but it would be a big bet.
phoenix suns
The Chicago Bulls get:Bradley Beal
phoenix suns get:Zach LaVine
This would simply be an exchange of your bad contract for my bad contract. Both the Bulls and Suns performed poorly last season. Maybe Bradley Beal would do better in Chicago with a point guard (Coby White) and maybe LaVine is the bigger wing the Suns need. A change of scenery could be best for all parties.
Kings of Sacramento
Chicago Bulls get: Harrison Barnes, Kevin Huerter, Trey Lyles
The Sacramento Kings get:Zach LaVine
After ending their postseason drought in 2022-23, the Kings missed the playoffs this season, so they could look to turn things around. Could the team package three rotation players for a potential lottery ticket in LaVine? Could a trio of De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis and LaVine along with a rising young player like Keegan Murray secure a top-six spot in the West? Might be worth a try.
