Nuggets Eyeing LaVine in Potential Trade with Bulls
Basketball fans, brace yourselves: the Denver Nuggets may shake up their roster. They're reportedly in talks with the Chicago Bulls to snag Zach LaVine, as the NBA grapevine, led by The Athletic's Sam Amick and Tony Jones, suggests. The duo describes these discussions as "significant," implying a potentially transformative move for Denver.
Nuggets' Need for Offensive Firepower
The Nuggets have a strong start this season with a 14-10 record, but their game falters when Nikola Jokic, their linchpin, takes a breather. Denver's offense plummets to 97.3 points per 100 possessions without him on the court, a stark drop from last season's 105.6 under similar conditions. It’s no wonder they’re considering adding LaVine to the mix. Meanwhile, the Washington Wizards, for context, are managing 103.7 points per 100 possessions this year.
LaVine: A Potent Scorer with a High Price Tag
Zach LaVine, on an impressive streak this season, is averaging 21.7 points per game with a dazzling 63.1% true shooting percentage. Particularly noteworthy is his three-point shooting, hitting a career-best 42.8%, with punchy pull-up shots at 42.4%. But talent comes with a hefty price. LaVine is pulling in a cool $43 million this season, compounded by a trade kicker. This financial element is likely a critical consideration for the Nuggets as they strategize on fitting LaVine into their existing payroll.
Challenges in Crafting the Deal
Tricky financial dynamics aren't unique to LaVine. Michael Porter Jr. of the Nuggets also possesses a significant contract, earning $35.9 million this season with commitments stretching into future years. Crafting a trade involving these high-value contracts requires deft maneuvering. Nevertheless, with the Bulls sitting at 12-15, they might be ready to entertain substantial shakeups themselves, further fueling the trade buzz surrounding LaVine that has been intensifying for over a year.
As current talks unfold, the looming question remains whether Denver will take the plunge for LaVine, aiming to rectify their offensive woes during Jokic's brief absences on the court. Whatever the outcome, this potential deal's ripple effect could be felt across the league. Stay tuned for what promises to be an intriguing chapter in NBA trade narratives.