In the same week where multiple reports suggested that a Zach LaVine trade remains unlikely, one team has reportedly emerged as a legitimate suitor.
According to Troy Jones and Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Denver Nuggets have taken a close look at the Chicago Bulls’ two-time All-Star. LaVine has reportedly become a major part of their recent conversations as they look to strengthen their core around superstar Nikola Vucevic.
Here is what the two reporters shared:
“As a result, the Nuggets have either expressed interest in, or have had preliminary trade discussions on the following players: Chicago’s Zach Lavine, Washington’s Jordan Poole, Utah’s Jordan Clarkson, Atlanta’s De’Andre Hunter, Brooklyn’s Cam Johnson and Washington’s Jonas Valančiūnas.
League sources say the focus on LaVine in recent discussions is significant, with the Nuggets interested in the 29-year-old who is averaging 21.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists this season. LaVine, a two-time All-Star, is owed $43 million this season, $45.9 million next season and has a player option worth $48.9 million for the 2026-27 campaign.“
I encourage you to read the complete article from The Athletic for full context here.
Could Denver Make a Move for Zach LaVine?
First things first, this isn’t your average trade rumor. The Athletic isn’t merely stating that Denver has LaVine on a list of possible trade targets but rather sharing that he is near the top of their list. The fact they go far enough to say that LaVine’s name has been a “significant” part of their recent discussions is … well … significant!
Does this mean that a trade is now suddenly on the horizon? No, especially when we consider they did name a slew of other players that Denver has expressed interest in. However, this is undoubtedly the strongest connection we’ve seen between LaVine and an individual team this season. It’s also a reminder of how fast things can change in the NBA. All it takes is two to tango, and the Bulls may possibly found their partner.
© Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn ImagesIf one thing is for sure, LaVine would make plenty of sense alongside an elite distributor like Nikola Jokic. Not only does he remain among the most explosive off-ball athletes in the NBA, but he is shooting an elite 42.8 percent from downtown on high volume (7.5 3PAs per game). Of course, LaVine can also create plenty of offense for himself off the dribble, which is what Jones and Amick note as a specific skill the organization is looking to add. The team is leaning too heavily on the shot creation of Jokic and Jamal Murray.
With the way LaVine is playing to begin this season, there are likely fewer concerns about his ability to slide in next to other star-caliber players. He is recording his second-lowest usage rating since the 2017-18 season but still averaging 21.1 points on 50.1 percent shooting from the field.
Again, none of this means a trade is about to get done, but the Nuggets should have what it takes to seal the deal. Michael Porter Jr. is named as the likely trade chip in any deal by The Athletic. The jumbo wing is owed $35.8 million this season and $79.1 million over the next two seasons. All things considered, this may be more long-term salary than the Bulls want to take on, but Porter Jr. may also be a better player than any other they could get in a LaVine deal.
The injury concerns with the 26-year-old are very real, as he’s only played more than 62 games in a season once in his career. But the six-foot-ten small forward is still one of the best long-range threats in the NBA. Porter Jr. has shot 40.8 percent from downtown and 50.0 percent from the field over his career. He’s off to another strong start this season, averaging a career-high 18.5 points and 7.1 rebounds per game on 38.5 shooting from behind the arc. The Bulls could certainly add worse players to their youth movement! At the same time, I guess we can’t rule out them getting a third team involved and prioritizing a clean cap sheet and draft capital!
Anyway, we now have a pretty major connection to keep an eye on as the deadline nears! Let’s also not forget that this is Arturas Karnisovas’ old home. He used to work in close quarters with current Nuggets GM Calvin Booth, which is a relationship that could certainly come in handy if conversations continue.
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