After failing to bag Lauri Markkanen from the Utah Jazz, it may seem like the Golden State Warriors are running out of trade options that would help them stand out in a crowded Western Conference and make one more Finals in the Stephen Curry era.
Their understanding of the current state of their roster is the biggest reason behind their aggressive pursuits of Markkanen and Paul George before they ended up with their respective teams. Their decisions show that Curry and the Warriors may not be the premier free-agent destination they once were in the mid-late 2010s.
However, that fact isn’t stopping the Dubs from finding a costar who can help Stephen Curry carry the team to another deep postseason run. They have already identified their latest trade target, and this rumor may end up being the move the Warriors actually pull off this offseason.
The Golden State Warriors are negotiating with the Chicago Bulls for Zach LaVine, per rumors
Fansided’s Christopher Kline published a piece that officially links the Dubs with the two-time All-Star.
He noted that Markkanen’s decision to stay put in Utah forced the team to look for more reasonable trades, which is the category LaVine fits in. While there are issues that make the 29-year-old a less desirable target than Markkanen, circumstances force Golden State’s hand.
That contract is rough, but it will get gradually less catastrophic as the NBA’s new TV deal takes effect. The cap ceiling around the league is about to skyrocket.
Moreover, the Bulls are practically trying to give LaVine away. That relationship has soured past the point of no return. We’ve seen thinly-veiled potshots from the Bulls front office, as well as reports that LaVine wants out, bad. Golden State can fix that situation in one fell swoop and perhaps get a few extra benefits in the process.
LaVine had a poor season if you consider his status as a fringe All-Star-caliber player. He only played 25 games last season, averaging 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists a game. Moreover, there’s also the issue with LaVine’s supposed attitude during his time as Chicago’s top Bull.
However, these red flags don’t take away from the fact that LaVine is still a great player that Steve Kerr can repurpose to fit his scheme. It will be interesting to see how much he will cost the Warriors roster before the Bulls ship him off.
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