Bucks, Warriors targeting trade for All-Star guard

What a difference a year makes.

Last season, Zach LaVine's contract was viewed as the worst in the NBA due to his injury history and negative impact on the Bulls' fortunes.

This season, LaVine — averaging 24.0 points at a career-high clip of 44.6 percent from three — has become one of the most coveted players on the trade market.

The athletic guard is reportedly on the radar of the Warriors and Bucks ahead of the Feb. 6 deadline. According to The Athletic, the Warriors prefer a trade for LaVine, 29, over the older Jimmy Butler, 35, not just because of their age difference but their playing styles.

"LaVine is viewed by some within the organization as the safer option. At 29, he's five and a half years younger and some $6 million cheaper than Butler this season, though his contract extends longer and he's had some recent health concerns. There are risks all over the board."

The report added that key stakeholders within the franchise believe LaVine would be "a better fit" in the Warriors' culture and would fill "the roster's largest void" of an explosive three-level scorer next to Stephen Curry. 

Elsewhere, Bulls beat writer K.C. Johnson noted that the Bucks have reached out to Chicago with interest in LaVine. Speaking on Chicago Sports Network this week, Johnson said the Bucks are "determined" to find "perimeter help" and have LaVine and Suns guard Bradley Beal atop their wish list.

As a second-apron team, the Bucks face hurdles to trade for LaVine and would need a third team to take on salary. According to Johnson, the Bucks have flirted with the idea of moving Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton to land LaVine.  

All signs point to LaVine suiting up for a new team in the latter half of the season. LaVine has reinvited himself by turning into an excellent off-ball scorer after being criticized for monopolizing the ball earlier in his career. The 29-year-old ranks 10th in made threes but leads the league in 3P% among players who've drained at least 100 threes.