Disgruntled All-Star Names 76ers as Preferred Trade Destination
We're nearing the end of 2023-24 NBA season's first month and things couldn't have gone better for the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite trading away James Harden, Nick Nurse's squad is one of three teams with double-digit wins as of Nov. 20, sitting second in the Eastern Conference with a 10-3 record.
But even with a hot start, nothing is guaranteed in the NBA. As great as Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey have been playing, adding another star to the group could help put the Sixers over the top.
That's why it's interesting to see Philadelphia as one of the top destinations for disgruntled Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine.
Latest notebook for @YahooSports: On Chicago’s crossroads with Zach LaVine, whether the Bulls actually go full rebuild, and perhaps the most prized veteran on their roster in terms of trade value — Alex Caruso.https://t.co/7AYlVgGXvl
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) November 17, 2023
76ers Trade Rumors: Zach LaVine
According to Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer, LaVine's team has "several preferred landing spots" and Philadelphia is one of the top destinations. Other potential trade partners include the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs.
Reports of a trade first emerged this summer, but the Bulls' asking price was too high to get a deal done. However, The Athletic's Shams Charania and Darnell Mayberry report that Chicago has "increased openness" to different returns after beginning the season with a dismal 5-9 record.
A two-time NBA All-Star, LaVine has been a consistent scoring threat throughout his Bulls tenure. He's averaged 24.4 points on .470/.384/.838 splits across seven seasons (363 games) with Chicago, also averaging 4.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists along the way.
LaVine's offensive talents would benefit the 76ers, who haven't had a ton of scoring outside of Embiid, Maxey and Tobias Harris. Kelly Oubre Jr. was playing well with a 16.3 PPG clip, but he's expected to be sidelined until sometime in December after being struck by a car earlier this month.
A trade would also have major long-term effects for Philadelphia. After all, LaVine isn't some deadline rental player. He's under contract with an average annual value just north of $43 million for the next three seasons, per Spotrac. On top of that, he has a $48.9 million player option for the 2026-27 season.
If the 76ers do make a deal with the Bulls, chances are that Harris (along with draft picks) would head to the Windy City. His $39.2 million cap hit is the only one comparable to LaVine's ($40 million), but taking his contract isn't a big issue for Chicago seeing as Harris hits free agency next summer.
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