Potential 76ers Trade Target Suffers Setback Before Deadline

In just a few weeks, the NBA’s trade deadline will take place, capping all moves until the end of the season. The Philadelphia 76ers are expected to be active in the market, checking for moves that could boost their odds of making a title run.

One popular name on the trade market has been frequently linked to the 76ers, as Chicago Bulls veteran Zach LaVine fits the star-caliber player description that Daryl Morey has been in search of in the past.

However, Philadelphia’s interest in LaVine has been lukewarm at best. And the longer LaVine sits on the block untraded, the more his value dips as he’s struggled to stay healthy this year.

Another Setback for LaVine

According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, LaVine is expected to miss at least one-to-two weeks due to a right ankle sprain. The star veteran left Chicago’s latest game against the Toronto Raptors after spending 24 minutes on the court.

Typically, a one-to-two-week timeline wouldn’t have a notable effect on inquiring teams’ interest, but the fact that LaVine just returned from a multi-week injury could leave teams more hesitant to look to land him.

Following a November 28 matchup against the Boston Celtics, LaVine missed 17 games in a row. He returned to the court on January 5, two matchups after the Sixers and the Bulls battled it out for two straight matchups.

In his first seven games back, LaVine averaged 34 minutes on the court. He averaged 16 points, six rebounds, and five assists while draining 39 percent of his threes.

LaVine’s next return to the court will be cutting it close to the deadline.