Zach LaVine Linked To Trail Blazers, Spurs, Among Others

With the Bulls coming off a fine season, it’s hard to envision them wanting to make any major changes to the lineup.

But standout guard Zach LaVine is about to become an unrestricted free agent and not surprisingly, the suitors are many. As we relayed earlier, LaVine has already been linked to the Hawks, who are contemplating a roster overhaul of their own.

And according to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, the Trail Blazers and Spurs may very well have LaVine on their radar.

“Along with Atlanta, Portland is most often mentioned as a top LaVine suitor. LaVine is a Seattle native, just a few hours’ drive north of the Trail Blazers’ facilities, and shares a relationship with Damian Lillard from their Team USA days,” Fischer wrote.

Without a doubt, Blazers GM Joe Cronin is looking to rebuild the roster around Lillard, not to mention help find a replacement for CJ McCollum, sent to the Pelicans ahead of the February trade deadline.

While the Blazers like some of their younger options and have hopes for the likes of Anfernee Simons, there is still room for improvement. A player such as LaVine would presumably make an immediate impact, especially alongside Lillard.

As for the Spurs, the same could be said — with LaVine being able to pair with Dejounte Murray to give San Antonio a formidable one-two punch.

“The Spurs would, in theory, present a clear lead scoring opportunity for LaVine, ironically filling a hole that has been vacant since DeMar DeRozan fled for LaVine’s Bulls last summer,” Fischer wrote.

Of course, there is always the possibility that LaVine returns to the Bulls. Despite the speculation, most execs spoken to buy Hoops Wire expect that to ultimately be what happens.

But even if so, you can be sure it will get interesting between now and then, for LaVine, the Bulls and anyone else who decides to make pursuing him a priority.