This Heat-Bulls trade proposal lands Zach LaVine in Miami

One NBA writer is proposing that the Miami Heat acquire Zach LaVine from the Chicago Bulls if they can’t trade for Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard.

Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report proposed that the Heat trade Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson and Nikola Jović to the Bulls for LaVine and Dalen Terry. Without the assets to make the most compelling trade offer for Lillard, perhaps LaVine could be an option.

“Miami needs more offense than a healthy Herro can provide,” Buckley wrote. “That’s why upgrading to LaVine could be so compelling, particularly if the Heat don’t have the assets to land Damian Lillard.”

There are some defensive concerns that naturally come with LaVine given he’s underwhelming on that end, but the overall offensive boost he’d provide is something to value. With Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, there’s a lot to like about adding him into a trio.

The Bulls want a young player with upside and multiple draft picks if they trade LaVine, according to Kyle Neubeck of PhillyVoice. Chicago is open to trading LaVine, who signed a five-year, $215.2 million contract last summer.

LaVine averaged 24.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists for the Bulls in 2022-23. He will make $40 million next season. The two-time All-Star and two-time Slam Dunk champion has been linked to the Philadelphia 76ers and Blazers since both teams are dealing with trade requests from superstars (James Harden, Lillard).

LaVine, 28, has career averages of 20.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Bulls. He’s one of the best scorers in the NBA, averaging 25.4 points over the last three seasons.

If the Heat don’t get Lillard, maybe they should pivot to LaVine, who is available in trade talks.