The Knicks and Nets are among the teams who have been monitoring Zach LaVine‘s situation in Chicago, according to Ian Begley of SNY.tv, who reports that both New York and Brooklyn have done “background work” on the Bulls guard.
LaVine remains under contract for an additional two years beyond this season, so he won’t be reaching free agency anytime soon. However, with no star players known to be available on the trade market for the time being, teams like the Knicks and Nets are keeping an eye on players who could conceivably become available in trade talks within the next year or two.
LaVine, a six-year veteran, has never made the playoffs with the Timberwolves or the Bulls, and suggested in March that he was “upset” with Chicago’s performance in 2019/20.
Disgruntled stars on lottery teams often make the best trade candidates, though in LaVine’s case, it seems likely that he’ll want to give the new Bulls regime a chance to improve the roster before making any decisions about his future. The team hired Arturas Karnisovas as president of basketball operations and Marc Eversley as general manager in the spring.
According to K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago (Twitter link), LaVine was in Chicago two weeks ago and had a “positive” visit with the Bulls’ new decision-makers. Johnson adds that while they’ll likely be willing to listen to any ideas, Karnisovas and Eversley appear focused on maximizing the roster’s potential for next season — not on trading the club’s leading scorer.
The front office’s decision on head coach Jim Boylen is also worth keeping an eye on in relation to LaVine’s situation, since he and Boylen haven’t always seen eye-to-eye. Sources have told Marc Berman of The New York Post that the Bulls appear likely to stand pat with Boylen for now.
LaVine had a career year in ’19/20 before the coronavirus pandemic prematurely ended Chicago’s season. He averaged 25.5 PPG, 4.8 RPG, and 4.2 APG on .450/.380/.802 shooting in 60 games (34.8 MPG).
Good fit for Lakers
Do Lakers have equal assets for LaVine？
Nets get LaVine
Bulls get LaVert Harris Allen and salary release
Salary cap is Knicks biggest asset？
Knicks have no ＂center piece ＂to trade for something good
They have a lot of draft picks
Trading away all of their draft picks is part of how they got into the mess they’re in.
Typical Knick reports. Knicks are always linked to big names to please our fan base but always fail to acquire them and then they over pay second tier players. The Organization is extremely dysfunctional and it starts with upper management.
Don’t let the media condition you for anger & heartbreak. ALL teams keep tabs on situations going on with other teams. NY teams make the news cycle cuz look at the reactions.
LaVine is not coming here (anytime soon if ever). Fact. But if Chi decided to take pennies on the dollar in a trade, then we would throw picks and contracts at them (not happening)
So it’s essentially a non-story with NY attached. Don’t let it upset you man.
Lavine is a loosing player, who cares only about playing on his terms. Ideal player for the Knicks to trade for
All big name players are linked to the Knicks and they won’t get one of them. Concentrate on drafting better.
Zach LaVine and Lauri Markeneen for Spencer Dinwiddie, Caris LeVert, Jarrett Allena and a future first round pick.
The same rumoured package the Nets offer the Wizards for Beal but for LaVine and Markeneen.
It would give the Nets a great starting line up with Kyrie LaVine KD Markeneen and Jordan.
A good mix of many skills, shooting, length, leaders, youth, athleticism.
I think this team would be a top 10 team in the league especially with a decent bench of Joe Harris, Temple, Prince and then some vets.
If I was the bulls from there I’d try trade down from 7th in the draft to 10th with the Suns. Suns get the 7th pick, 2 second round picks and Luke Kornet for the 10th pick and Cam Johnson.
Then select Previous Achiwura at 10th.
Bulls then have Coby White and his college teammate and good friend Cam Johnson who is a sniper from deep. Plus recent pick ups Dinwiddie and LeVert. You have Previous Achiwura who is a freak physical athlete. Is long, strong, has bounce, has wingspan and huge motor. Will give you rebounds on both ends, huge dunks, blocks, and will improve as he gets older. Can play SF, PG and small ball 5. Just needs to add a consistent shot to his game. Then to round out the team you have two young bigs in Jarrett Allen and Wendell Carter Jr.
This team would be decent ish but is loaded with young talent. Players will improve the more they play and also could be used in trades with good value to bring in more win now players if that’s the approach.
Either way I think the Bulls front office best plan of going to win in the next 5/10 years will hinge on if they can get Anthony Davis to return home. Only way he comes home from LA is if you can build around him and leave that PF spot open for him and get talented players around his age which makes Chicago look better than the aging LA Lakers. That’s what this trade does, it leaves him a spot, while having a talented backcourt, young potential at the 3 and then two good options at the 5. Plus potential to improve or make trades
According to John Paxson
Bulls promise not to trade two players- LaVine and Markennen
@Sillivan in case you missed it, Karnisovas is in charge now, not Paxson. But I would not expect you to pay attention as you seem to get all your ideas from the ESPN Trade Machine.
Nets giving up LeVert, Dinwiddie, Jarrett Allen AND a future pick. What are you, stupid?
Dinwiddie is going to want out next contract cause he is simply to good to be a back up for Kyrie the drama queen Irving. LeVert is always injured and missed 50% of the season anyways, Jarrett Allen is nice but DeAndre Jordan gives you the same thing and guys the locker room better plus you can sign back up centre for the vets min that are good.
Irving LaVine KD Markeneen and Jordan is a top 5 team in the league, up there with the Lakers Bucks Clippers Celtics and so on.
Irving is a leader, elite ball handler and good shooter. LaVine gives you athleticism, some shooting and a great third option. KD is another leader and top 5 player in the league when fit. Markeneen is young and huge potential, gives you spacing and with the height and length many rebound and blocks. Then lastly Jordan who is still a good defensive centre that gives you blocks and boards. Plus a bench of Harris (elite shooter), Prince (combo forward), Temple (3&D vet) add in some vets on the minimum and some rookies that’s a top top team.
What they currently have is a 6/7th seed (4th max) in the east lead by 3 players that are injury prone, 2 divas and no head coach.
I would be happy to see the Bulls get that Nets haul for Lavine (essentially for Jimmy Butler). They would end up with a much better team that fits together well. I do not think the Nets would agree to that trade though.
I do not think the Bulls will trade down on their pick. New GM has beefed up the scouting and wouldn’t do that unless he is looking to build through the draft. So, getting picks and any young talent for Lavine, who has topped out, and Markannen, who seems to be sick of Chicago and needs a change of scenery, would be a good start.
Spencer d,levert, allen,and 1st round for lauri and zach? As bulls fan i love it.but i think its to much for nets.and forget about ad.he wont come to the bulls.not now.not next season.
Would also love to see the Bucks try go for Zach LaVine. Maybe it could be the thing that keeps Giannis in Milwaukee.
Giannis obviously loves to play with stars particularly young stars. LaVine at 25 is the same age as Giannis and would be a great addition.
Maybe you need to add a third team to the deal but the Bucks do have some trade pieces. Eric Bledsloe, Pat Connanaughton, Donte DiVancenzo and Frank Mason plus picks.