The Chicago Bulls are rumored to potentially be heading toward a fire sale and Zach LaVine’s name has popped up in trade talks.
The Bulls are 4-9 and could look to move the two-time All-Star to signal a full rebuild.
The Toronto Raptors have been mentioned as one of the teams that could have some level of interest in Zach LaVine.
NBA Insider Shams Charania mentioned the Raptors when talking about Zach LaVine:
“I’m told the Raptors are also expected to have some level of interest in (Zach) LaVine.”
NBA Insider @ShamsCharania on the latest surrounding LaVine and the Bulls. pic.twitter.com/lnNHJaVQdy
— The Rally (@TheRally) November 17, 2023
The Raptors still have not signalled the direction they want to take. At 5-7 the Raptors have some major long-term decisions to make with this roster. Both Pascal Siakam and O.G. Anunoby are set to become unrestricted free agents next summer.
Zach LaVine is on a massive contract so adding him to the Raptors while still being able to pay both Anunoby and Siakam does not seem likely unless Toronto is prepared to pay the tax:
Rough math on LaVine with Raptors:
LaVine, Poeltl, Schroder, Barnes, Dick, McDaniels under contract for 2024-25
Would leave you about $69.4M beneath tax for Siakam+Anunoby + fill roster with minimums
$77.4M below the first tax apron
— Blake Murphy (@BlakeMurphyODC) November 16, 2023
Trading for LaVine would be risky for the Raptors. They would have to give up more of their future picks and LaVine on the Raptors does not make them a contender when compared to the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics.
The Raptors could theoretically do a Siakam for LaVine swap if they view him as a better fit next to Scottie Barnes, but the Bulls likely would not want to take on Siakam’s expiring contract if they want to fully rebuild.
Also Zach LaVine turns 29-years-old in March so he does not necessarily fit Barnes’ timeline.
Raptors in trade rumors once again
The Raptors always seem to have some level of interest whenever an All-Star player becomes available.
However, that does not mean something will happen. Raptors fans know that very well. The Raptors were said to be the frontrunner for both Kevin Durant and Damian Lillard in consecutive summers but nothing transpired.
Therefore, take LaVine to Toronto rumors with a grain of salt.
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