The Philadelphia 76ers are rolling right now although adding another superstar would not hurt. Zach LaVine has been linked to the Sixers with the Chicago Bulls reportedly open to a deal.
The Sixers are one of three teams mentioned as potential landing spots for the two-time All-Star. The others are the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat.
“Teams that are expected to have a level of interest in [Zach] LaVine, I’m told: the Lakers, Heat, and 76ers… There could be movement in Chicago sooner than later.”@ShamsCharania on Zach LaVine’s status with the Bulls 🍿
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 14, 2023
(via @TheRally)pic.twitter.com/KoJDRb9AHM
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Although LaVine is in his seventh season with the Bulls, the fact is that his efforts are not enough to push Chicago to the NBA Finals at the least, The Athletic reported. The Bulls have surrounded him with talent such as DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic but it appears their additions have not helped their cause.
The Sixers could make sense although it would be hard to fathom how LaVine would fit in. With Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris and Tyrese Maxey playing well, Philly hardly has reason to change up at this point.
Here are some things to consider on why the Sixers may want to steer clear of a LaVine trade.
Why fix something if it ain’t broken?
As mentioned earlier, the Sixers are off to a good start so there is hardly reason for Nick Nurse to change his roster and rotation. LaVine is someone that would be hard to pass up.
Recall that LaVine was mentioned as a potential piece when the Sixers were trying to rid themselves of James Harden per Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated. However, things have changed since then.
That could change by the trade deadline. However, that also depends on where the 76ers are in the Eastern Conference standings.
LaVine may be another headache
Philly knows that adding another superstar could be a pain. They already moved on from the Ben Simmons and James Harden drama and there is a chance LaVine could be next if he is acquired.
Why? LaVine is known to be more of a scorer rather than a passer. His career averages alone can justify that with the former UCLA Bruin norming just 3.9 assists per contest since entering the league per Basketball-Reference.
For a team that has Embiid, passing is important. They don’t need another scorer although the Cameroonian has proven he can adjust and play with anyone for as long as they are winnings.
Philly does not need to rush the search for a third superstar
After the James Harden trade, Philly can pursue a player who can be the team’s third superstar per Forbes.
Zach LaVine makes sense although it would mean inheriting his five-year $215 million max contract that he signed before the 2022-23 season started.
Considering the Sixers are doing well right now with their current roster, it may be wise for them to wait. There is the NBA trade deadline and the offseason to fill that third superstar hole. If LaVine is still available by that time, then perhaps exploring possibilities can be done. It all depends on how the current season turns out for Philly.
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