One NBA writer has listed the Brooklyn Nets as a potential trade destination for Zach LaVine if the Chicago Bulls trade the two-time All-Star this offseason.
Jason Burgos of Sportsnaut thinks LaVine and Mikal Bridges would be a lethal duo in Brooklyn.
“After breaking down their roster and shipping off their two top stars — Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving — in February, the Brooklyn Nets are expected to be aggressive this summer to remain a competitive team in 2023-2024,” Burgos wrote. “While Mikal Bridges is untouchable, every other player on the roster could be paired up with their many draft assets in a deal for Zach LaVine.
“On paper, a Bridges and LaVine combo could be quite formidable in the years ahead and mean the Nets won’t fall right back into a years-long rebuild.”
LaVine signed a five-year, $215.2 million contract with the Bulls in July 2022. The two-time Slam Dunk Contest champion, who averaged 24.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 77 games in 2022-23, will make $40 million next season.
Chicago missed the playoffs this year after making it in 2022, which is why some NBA execs believe the franchise could rebuild this offseason. To that end, several execs are skeptical about the long-term marriage between LaVine and the Bulls, according to K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago.
“But several rival executives who NBC Sports Chicago talked to at the combine are skeptical about the long-term marriage between Zach LaVine and the Bulls,” Johnson wrote. “LaVine, who has been loyal to the Bulls, has grown tired of consistently landing in trade rumors, although talk of the New York Knicks’ interest at the trade deadline was overstated. LaVine also represents the Bulls’ most dynamic scorer in terms of his ability to heat up either beyond the arc or attacking the rim.
“Again, the Bulls publicly have backed LaVine at every opportunity so believe that for now over rival executives’ speculation. But that speculation is prevalent enough to acknowledge.”
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