Western Conference Contender Has “Significant Focus” On Trading For Zach LaVine
Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic have been Chicago’s two most commonly floated trade pieces over the last calendar year. Both former All-Stars and playing some of the most efficient basketball of their respective careers, several reports and stories have been linked to potential trade partners for each. Vucevic’s name has generated the most traffic. Currently playing at an All-Star pace and on a more team-friendly contract than LaVine at a more highly-desired position, he’ll likely draw more return than his counterpart. This afternoon, The Athletic’s Tony Jones and Sam Amick reported that the two-time All-Star guard has a new buyer and that the contending team will have a “significant” focus on bringing his skills to their roster. Who is the most interested club, and how likely is it that they land the former UCLA Bruin?
Denver Nuggets Looking For Offensive Help
The Denver Nuggets have stumbled through the first 24 games of the 2024-25 campaign. At 14-10, fifth in the Western Conference standings, the 2023 NBA Champions have struggled to find three-point shooting on the offensive side. Although they are shooting a top-ten percentage leaguewide, the quantity is lacking. They’re last in the NBA in three-point field goal attempts per contest, at 30.4 per outing. Interestingly, the previous two seasons have shown a similar rate of three-point attempts for the Nuggets. Still, with the evolving play-style of increased three-point shots leaguewide, they’re falling behind fellow contenders in one of the most pivotal areas of today’s game. The answer to firing more threes? Zach LaVine.
The Denver Nuggets are reportedly in search of a dynamic scorer to pair alongside Nikola Jokic, with Zach LaVine ‘front and center’ in their search. ????
(per @sam_amick , @Tjonesonthenba & @TheAthletic ) pic.twitter.com/GQEQ9R6epf
— NBA Retweet (@RTNBA) December 18, 2024
Each of the four teams ahead of Denver in the Western Conference is shooting at least five more three-point attempts per game. Without a consistent three-point threat, the Nuggets have been forced to outperform their opposition in every other facet to escape with a win in each matchup.
Replacing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
LaVine for Caldwell-Pope is not a one-for-one swap but is a glaring need for Denver. KCP shot over 41% during his tenure with the Nuggets on over four three-point attempts per contest. His defensive prowess and playoff experience set him apart from LaVine, but the offense is more potent with the Bulls guard. LaVine’s making threes at a 43.2% rate while shooting nearly eight attempts per game. This volume bolsters Denver’s offensive attack to match the other Western Conference contenders. With two of the most elite playmakers in the NBA, Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, LaVine’s elite catch-and-shoot ability would transform their identity and present a new level of elite shooting beyond the arc.
New @chicagobulls 3PM king ????
Zach LaVine passes Kirk Hinrich for most three-pointers in Bulls franchise history with this triple!
Congrats @ZachLaVine ???? https://t.co/pIoGupyVPl pic.twitter.com/gPmbhGWyTB
— NBA (@NBA) November 30, 2024
What kind of return can Chicago expect for LaVine? According to multiple reports, his contract has been the most significant trade-talk roadblock. Denver would need to dump Michael Porter Jr. and his $35.8 million salary in addition to the Bulls or a third team absorbing the gap between the $43 million due to the All-Star guard to make this happen. Will LaVine’s contract again prevent the Bulls from moving him, or can Denver maneuver a way to bring the elite three-point threat to the Mile High City?