The Golden State Warriors are 12th in the Western Conference. They’ve struggled on both ends of the floor during the first half of the season. As such, there’s a legitimate belief among the fan base and within the media that Mike Dunleavy Jr. will look for a trade ahead of the Feb. 8 trade deadline.
According to Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley, Zach LaVine could be the most logical trade target for Golden State. His hefty contract and inability to help the Chicago Bulls be legitimate contenders is expected to lower his value on the trade market, which could make him attainable for Golden State.
Is any team more desperate than the Golden State Warriors right now? They’re down to 12th in the West, 23rd in defensive efficiency and 14th in offensive rating,” Buckley reasoned. “Golden State has to hit the bargain bin, and while LaVine’s contract — which has seemingly scared off his most mentioned suitor, the Los Angeles Lakers — is enormous, his trade cost shouldn’t be. Not with his salary, injury history and lack of winning.”
LaVine is in the second year of his five-year $215 million deal. His average annual income is $43 million. That would be a significant cap hit for a Warriors team already facing a hefty tax bill. Sure, LaVine would bring additional playmaking, scoring and athleticism. However, his contract is likely too high for the Warriors to have any serious interest in acquiring him.
Golden State will likely look to retain Klay Thompson at the end of the season. Adding LaVine’s contract to the roster would make it tougher to keep their veteran core and rising young talent. As such, a deal for the Bulls veteran does appear unlikely.
