As the Chicago Bulls continue to succeed without Zach LaVine, the two-time All-Star’s future has become increasingly murky leading up to the trade deadline.
Per NBA insider Marc Stein, one team that “shouldn’t be” viewed as a suitor for LaVine is the Philadelphia 76ers.
“League sources say that Philadelphia,” Stein wrote, “if it indeed makes an in-season trade with the assets received in the Halloween deal that sent James Harden to the LA Clippers, is still prioritizing a two-way player …as well as a move that does not limit its future optionality.”
LaVine has been out of action since Nov. 28 due to a foot injury. Head coach Billy Donovan announced last week the 28-year-old remains on track to return within the initial three-to-four-week timeline set on Dec. 7.
Before LaVine’s injury, the Bulls were the third-worst team in the Eastern Conference with a 5-14 record. They have won eight of 12 games without him in the lineup and currently occupy the final play-in spot in the East.
There has been trade chatter around LaVine for more than a month, though it doesn’t appear as if many teams are aiming to make a move quickly. The Athletic’s Darnell Mayberry reported on Nov. 21 that a deal was “more realistic” around the Feb. 9 deadline.
On Dec. 1, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported there was “no market” for LaVine.
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“There is not a market for Zach LaVine right now.”@wojespn with the latest on LaVine and the Bulls 👀 pic.twitter.com/r4stqcKkor
LaVine has proven himself to be a very talented NBA player, albeit one whose style of play has made it difficult to find a good fit that is conducive to winning at a high level. He’s a ball-dominant guard who doesn’t facilitate on offense for his teammates.
While a team like the Sixers might be in the market for a third scorer after Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, LaVine’s contract doesn’t seem to make much sense to add if that’s what they are looking for.
LaVine is being paid $40.1 million this season and $89 million over the next two seasons, plus a $48.97 million player option for 2026-27. He is averaging 21.0 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game in 18 starts during the 2023-24 campaign.
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