Report: Striking Out On Big-Time Wing Would Leave Door Open For 76ers To Consider Trading For Zach LaVine

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, striking out on a big-time wing would leave the door open for the Philadelphia 76ers to consider taking back a player such as Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine.

The Bulls will attempt to trade LaVine this summer after failing to find a taker for him this season, sources told Hoops Wire. 

“Striking out on a big-time wing would also leave the door open for Philadelphia to consider taking back a player such as Zach LaVine, sources said, in the event Chicago or another team is willing to attach draft capital to move off salary,” Fischer wrote. 

LaVine played in just 25 games this season. He underwent season-ending right foot surgery in February.

A two-time All-Star, LaVine averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists this season while shooting 45.2% from the field, 34.9% from beyond the arc and 85.4% from the free-throw line.

LaVine signed a five-year, $215 million contract with the Bulls in July 2022. He’ll make $43 million next season and $45 million in 2025-26.

Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group represents the 29-year-old LaVine.

A UCLA product, LaVine has career averages of 20.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.3 blocks with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Bulls. Chicago has won only one playoff game since acquiring LaVine from Minnesota in 2017. 

According to NBA insider K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago, trading LaVine is the Bulls‘ offseason focus. 

“Multiple outlets, including NBC Sports Chicago, reported previously that trading Zach LaVine remains an offseason focus,” Johnson wrote. 

The Sixers lost to the New York Knicks in the first round of this year’s playoffs in six games. The franchise hasn’t advanced past the second round of the postseason in the Joel Embiid era. 

Philadelphia is building around Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, who won the Most Improved Player of the Year Award this season.

Tobias Harris is expected to leave the Sixers this summer in free agency, sources told Hoops Wire.