NEWSLETTER
It didn’t take long for several teams to emerge as possible suitors for Zach LaVine. Shortly after word spread that LaVine would entertain a potential trade, the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, and Philadelphia 76ers were quickly mentioned as organizations that could show “a level of interest” in the two-time All-Star.
Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports has now name-dropped those same teams, stating that each also happens to be a “preferred landing spot” for LaVine and his camp. All things considered, LaVine’s preference to join forces with any of those squads isn’t surprising, right? Not only is each viewed as a conference finals contender, but all three have at least one superstar-caliber player already on the roster.
What is surprising, however, is what Fischer went on to say next. Two more teams are reportedly on LaVine’s radar … and it’s the first time either has come up.
“LaVine also has an eye on joining the San Antonio Spurs, sources said, in order to pair with rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama and reunite with head coach Gregg Popovich, who oversaw the 2020 Team USA outfit that LaVine helped win a gold medal in Tokyo. There are several other contending situations LaVine would welcome joining, sources said, one being Sacramento. The Kings signed LaVine to an offer sheet during his restricted free agency in 2018, albeit before this present front office regime took the reins in Northern California.”
Chicago will take one Wemby, please!
Would the Kings or Spurs Trade for Zach LaVine?
I think we should first recognize that just because LaVine is interested in a franchise doesn’t mean that the feeling is mutual. The San Antonio Spurs are in the middle of a rebuild around the best prospect since LeBron James, so they may not be thinking about adding a player of LaVine’s caliber this soon.
At the same time, Victor Wembanyama is the kind of talent that can rise up the NBA ranks fast. The San Antonio Spurs know what it’s like to compete for championships with a young leader, so who is to say they wouldn’t hear of LaVine’s interest and consider speeding up their timeline a bit? To be clear, I’m not saying I’d bet money on a LaVine-Spurs Woj bomb, but we’ve seen crazier deals in the NBA.
As for LaVine’s draw to San Antonio, I suppose Gregg Popovich made a strong impression (per usual). LaVine was heavily praised for his help in winning Team USA a gold medal, especially for his defensive effort. Perhaps he views linking back up with Coach Pop – particularly with Fischer reporting LaVine “is ready to play under a different head coach” – as the best way to get the most out of his game.
Also, for what it’s worth, I can’t help but think about LaVine viewing the Spurs as somewhat of a blank canvas. While I have to imagine he’d know Wemby is the guy, there is a lot more room for him to solidify himself as a face of that franchise (unlike if he went to the Heat or Lakers).
The Sacramento Kings certainly make more sense. While it’s a bit shocking to hear a Klutch client is intrigued by a small market team, the Kings are obviously on the up and up. We just watched the organization end the longest playoff drought in the league and take the Golden State Warriors seven games. Led by De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, they have one of the most explosive offensive in the NBA, which should create an easy environment for Zach LaVine to slide into.
His fit next to Fox may not be perfect, especially on the defensive end, but it is at least a backcourt scoring duo that can make you raise an eyebrow. The real question for me is how the heck would the money work? Fox is on a five-year, $163 million deal. Sabonis just signed a four-year, $186 million extension. Would the small-market Kings really add the rest of LaVine’s lofty contract (four years, $178 million) to their books?
On the one hand, desperate to ensure they stay in the mix for years to come, maybe a team like the Kings views this as a necessary big move after last season. Staying aggressive with your roster building is important … just ask the Bulls! On the other hand, the Kings have a good thing going and some promising young talent. Would they want to sacrifice some of that already?
My guess would be that LaVine still ends up on a more obvious contender with lots of extra money to spend. But I’m at least happy to see that two unexpected teams on his list! As far as I’m concerned, this suggests that LaVine isn’t too picky about where he might end up, which leaves the door open for the Bulls to pursue several paths. And, well, we know that isn’t necessarily common in today’s NBA.
