These Two Teams Should Go All In On Zach Lavine
Image from NBC Sports
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AJ Slusarczyk
The rumors of Zach Lavine wanting out of Chicago are nothing new. In fact, they have been circulating around the media for years now. The Bulls have had a rocky 4-8 start to the season and recent reports have come out suggesting that the Bulls are exploring potential trades for their franchise talent. Among the playoff-caliber teams, these two teams merge as compelling suitors for the Bulls star.
Miami Heat
Having missed out on the possible acquisition of superstar guard Damian Lillard, a move that would have dramatically elevated their championship aspirations, the Miami Heat yet again enter the season with a familiar core. Despite recent success and finishing as championship runner-ups last season, the Heat’s front office made the bold decision to not make significant roster changes. Leaving fans around the league to doubt the potential success for the Miami Heat.
The Miami Heat have faced the setback of guard Tyler Herro being sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained against the Memphis Grizzlies just eight games into the season. Despite Herro displaying large improvements to his offensive game, the team is currently ranked 7th worst in the entire league in PPG.
The counterargument to this trade of whether or not Lavine is a significant upgrade over Herro can quickly be silenced. Zach Lavine’s potential arrival in Miami could introduce an inside-out threat that can drastically widen the floor for the Heat and allow for more open looks on the perimeter. Though Tyler Herro is very good at creating his own shot, he does not provide the rim pressure that Lavine has against defenses. This move would also address the team’s need for athleticism, vital for this aging Heat squad.
The challenge the Heat face is their asset portfolio, which significantly lacks temptation for trade partners. A trade involving Herro is the most realistic outcome. Likely also involving Duncan Robinson and a future draft pick. In the unlikely scenario that the trade excludes Tyler Herro, the Bulls could potentially receive Kyle Lowry and Caleb Martin, along with the Heat’s limited draft capital.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers open the season with a unsteady 6-6 start, prompting the possibility of a potential trade for Zach Lavine, who has in the past shown interest in playing for the Lakers. Similarly to the Miami Heat, the Lakers are in need of serious offensive improvement as they currently sit at 23rd in the league in 3p%. The Lakers had not blown out a team this season up until they faced the 2-8 Grizzlies, which is largely due to their inconsistent offense and having to rely on 38-year-old LeBron James. The Lakers would greatly benefit from Lavine’s elite shot creation and deep shooting range.
Lakers Coach, Darvin Ham, emphasized a minutes restriction for LeBron early on in the season. However, that has been challenged by the scoring woes the Lakers have had so far. With the potential addition of Zach Lavine, LeBron would have more opportunity for rest as the Lakers would be able to rely on Lavine to lead their offense for long stints with the possibility of Lavine transitioning into the closer in late-game situations.
The Lakers have appealing assets such as Austin Reaves, De’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, and Rui Hachimura. Two of the four would be needed to facilitate the trade to make it work contractually. The Lakers would likely have to add a future first-round pick to fully satisfy the Bulls needs.
