Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls is expected to sign with the Toronto Raptors.
CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn believes the Raptors will be a “dark horse” for LaVine, who is willing to be traded by the Bulls.
“The solution here would be for the Raptors to trade the oldest (Pascal Siakam) for assets from one of the many forward-needy contenders that they could then flip to Chicago for LaVine in an effort to balance out the roster,” Quinn wrote in an email. “If the other four starters were Dennis Schroder, OG Anunoby, Scottie Barnes, and Jakob Poeltl, even LaVine could be a part of an elite defense.” His offensive presence would change everything.”
This season, LaVine is averaging 21.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.0 assists while shooting 40.7% from the field, 33.0% from beyond the arc, and 87.1% from the foul line. In the third game of the season, the two-time All-Star and two-time Slam Dunk Contest champion scored a career-high 51 points against the Detroit Pistons.
LaVine agreed to terms with the Bulls on a five-year, $215.2 million contract in July 2022. Because the UCLA product’s contract lacks a no-trade clause, he has no say over where he is traded.
“So, just as the Raptors were a dark horse for Lillard, they will be a dark horse for LaVine as well,” Quinn wrote in an email. “A deal makes sense, but what makes sense is rarely what actually happens in Toronto.”
LaVine, 28, has career averages of 20.5 points with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Chicago Bulls. If Toronto’s front office could find a way to acquire LaVine from Chicago, the Raptors’ offense would become more explosive.
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