Most of the trade buzz about potential landing spots for Chicago Bulls star guard Zach LaVine has had the UCLA alum headed to the Los Angeles Lakers (or at least, until recently) and the Atlanta Hawks in recent weeks. But what if we thought outside of the box a bit and got more creative with potential LaVine destinations?
That is exactly what Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley has done in a recent article that proposes a deal with the Orlando Magic. The swap would send LaVine to the Magic for Markelle Fultz, Gary Harris, Chuma Okeke, Jett Howard and a 2025 first-round pick ahead of the 2024 trade deadline.
Citing Orlando’s recent woes on the offensive end of the court, Buckley posits LaVine as a potential spark. “He has his shortcomings, but he’s a legitimate net-shredder who can create shots for himself and his teammates,” writes the B/R analyst.
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“He might be the offensive jolt this group needs to give its young core some helpful playoff experience,” suggests Buckley. “Fultz might fill the two-way playmaking void left by the injured Lonzo Ball, Harris could be a 3-and-D option at guard, and Okeke could serve as an all-purpose stopper.”
“In the long term, Chicago would also pocket a first-round pick and a recent lottery selection (Howard, last summer’s No. 11 pick).”