Following their playoff elimination, the Philadelphia 76ers have reportedly expressed interest in numerous wings in hopes of boosting their core. So far, the top candidates appear to be Paul George, Jimmy Butler, and Brandon Ingram. Additionally, the most recent report indicates the team may have interest in acquiring a former champion to bolster the roster. However, per Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports, the 76ers may have a backup plan in place if all else fails–Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls.
Zach LaVine could be a backup plan for Philadelphia, per @JakeLFischer
“Striking out on a big-time wing would also leave the door open for Philadelphia to consider taking back a player such as Zach LaVine, sources said, in the event Chicago or another team is willing to attach… pic.twitter.com/owIOaZvrdQ
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 23, 2024
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After seven seasons with the Bulls, LaVine may be on his way out of Chicago this summer. During the regular season, LaVine was a popular trade candidate, mostly being linked to the Detroit Pistons. However, due to an ankle injury, LaVine was ruled out for the remainder of the season in January. This ended any possibility of an in-season trade for the two-time All-Star.
Last season, LaVine endured one of the worst campaigns of his career. In just 25 games played, the UCLA alum averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. Additionally, he shot 45.2% from the field and 34.9% from beyond the arc.
Philadelphia 76ers Pursuing Multi-Time NBA All-Star This Summer?
Chicago Bulls Expected to Explore Zach LaVine Trade Again This Offseason
After the near-in-season trade to Detroit, the Bulls are reportedly likely going to try and make a trade happen again in the offseason. Amidst the rumors, LaVine says he will “continue to push forward.”
A source said the Bulls will look to trade LaVine again this offseason. “There’s a lot of things that don’t bug me. My name has been circulating around more than once from the beginning of my career to now. If I let people’s opinions bug me or influence me, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today. So I go out there and keep doing me,” LaVine said. “Haven’t really talked to anybody, but we’ll continue to push forward.”
So far, only the 76ers and Pistons have appeared to show interest in the guard. After LaVine’s injury, reports indicated the Pistons no longer had interest in acquiring him. However, it is unclear where they stand now.
The Last Word on Zach LaVine
With the 29-year-old most likely on his way out of Chicago this summer, the 76ers make sense as a destination for him. He is an explosive guard who can score at a high level. Additionally, he can complement Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey well on the court. How he performs following his injury remains unknown. However, acquiring LaVine is a risk the 76ers should look into taking. If they cannot land any of the top stars they have interest in, LaVine is a good backup plan.
LaVine has three seasons remaining on his contract, with a $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season.
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