UCLA Basketball: Latest On Former Bruin Zach LaVine's Trade Market
Former UCLA Bruins shooting guard Zach LaVine has been one of the main talking pieces regarding the upcoming NBA trade deadline. Currently, a member of the Chicago Bulls, LaVine could find himself playing elsewhere in the coming weeks.
He missed a chuck of time earlier this season due to injury, and now he has been dealing with an ankle issue. This doesn't bode well for the Bulls' chances of trading him, as teams will view this as a negative in acquiring his services.
When healthy, LaVine has been very good in recent years. However, his numbers have dipped a bit this season, which is also a cause for concern among interested parties.
The NBA trade deadline is Feb. 8. Even before this latest injury setback, a concrete trade market had yet to materialize for LaVine, who is averaging 19.5 points on 45.2 percent shooting, including 34.9 percent from 3-point range. Those numbers are below last season's averages of 24.8 points on 48.5 percent shooting, including 37.5 percent from 3-point range."
There have been reports saying that the former Bruin doesn't have much of a market. The only team heavily linked to him has been the Los Angeles Lakers, but even they have been skeptical to make a move for him amid his issues.
"With LaVine's injury history that includes two left knee surgeries, only one playoff appearance in nine seasons and three years and roughly $138 million remaining on his max contract, sources said teams haven't seriously engaged with the Bulls, who held exploratory trade talks centered on LaVine last offseason."
It feels like Lakers or bust for any deal involving LaVine at the trade deadline, and right now it's heading toward bust. He is a talented player, but teams are wary about committing to him for multiple seasons.
