The Philadelphia 76ers may be tempted to make a move for Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine if other top targets are not available.
76ers Eyeing Paul George, But Zach LaVine Could Be the Backup Plan.
The Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly interested in acquiring LA Clippers star Paul George, who has a $48 million player option and may decline it to become a free agent this summer. With the Clippers reportedly hesitant to offer George a max contract, the Sixers could be a playoff-contending team with the funds to offer George what he’s searching for as they look to add a third star to the core duo of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
However, if everything fails on the George front, the Sixers will have other options to explore. Perhaps a call to the Chicago Bulls could be in the cards. Zach LaVine has been a popular trade candidate across the league for several seasons now, and his recent injury could be the catalyst for a trade.
LaVine suffered an injury that took him off the court for a long stint, and although he returned to compete for the Bulls in early January, his return was short-lived. He went out on January 20 and missed the rest of the season. It doesn’t seem like time has healed all in Chicago, and while the trade rumors have simmered down, the smoke hasn’t cleared.
According to NBC Sports Chicago’s K.C. Johnson, there is a sense that the price tag for LaVine’s services “dropped significantly.” Johnson believes that both sides are motivated to make something work this offseason, and the Bulls are open to more possibilities than before. The asking price for LaVine’s services has reportedly dropped significantly, making him a more attractive option for teams looking to make a move.
As Johnson noted, this situation is like a relationship that has run its course. The Bulls and LaVine may be ready to part ways, and the Sixers could be the team to benefit from this situation. With LaVine’s skills and the Sixers’ willingness to make a move, this could be an interesting summer for the team.
LaVine’s Market Remains Dry Due to Salary Concerns
Zach LaVine’s impressive talent is not the primary reason his market has been slow to develop. Instead, it is the significant amount of money he is owed that is causing hesitation from interested organizations.
LaVine signed a five-year deal with the Chicago Bulls, which includes an average annual salary of $43 million. Next season, he will earn over $43 million, and his salary will increase to nearly $46 million for the 2025-2026 season when he is 30 years old. Additionally, he will have a player option for the 2026-2027 season, which will be worth over $48 million. This substantial financial commitment is a significant factor in the Bulls’ difficulty in finding a suitor for the All-Star talent.
In his last full season with the Bulls, LaVine played in 77 games, averaging 25 points, five rebounds, and four assists per game. He shot 49 percent from the field and 38 percent from three on seven attempts per game. His productivity would certainly make him a valuable asset on a contender.
The Philadelphia 76ers have experience with expensive third options, having paid Tobias Harris an average salary of $36 million over the last five seasons. While Harris was not always as productive as desired, the Sixers may still consider LaVine if his price tag dips low enough to justify a deal. However, if other star targets are not available, LaVine could be a name the Sixers keep an eye on.
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