Sixers’ Rumored Trade Target Addresses Offseason Chatter

The Philadelphia 76ers are no strangers to getting linked to the big fish on the trade market. Earlier in the offseason, Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard requested a change of scenery, and the Sixers were immediately tied into the All-Star guard, reportedly having interest.

When the Lillard interest faded a bit as he zeroed in on the Miami Heat, the Sixers were rumored to have discussions with the Chicago Bulls, who currently employ the All-Star forward, Zach LaVine.

At this point, LaVine is no stranger to trade rumors. As the Bulls have struggled to build a contender around him, many around the league have wondered whether or not the Bulls would eventually cut ties with LaVine and enter a rebuild or simply shake things up by swapping him out with a notable package.

Earlier this month, the Sixers were linked to LaVine once again. According to a report from NBC Sports Chicago, the Sixers and the Bulls held “preliminary conversations” surrounding a potential LaVine trade. At this point, it’s clear that those talks have not gone very far.

Therefore, LaVine doesn’t seem to believe he’s headed anywhere else anytime soon.

"I've been with the Bulls for seven years. I've had my name in trade talks. You don't love it, but you understand the business. I've been traded before, so you understand it,” LaVine told NBC Sports Chicago’s Ryan Taylor. "I always rep my city, whichever team I'm playing for, to the best. And Chicago's loved me and called me one of their own since I've been there. I don't see anything happening anytime soon. But if it does, Chicago always has my love."

The 28-year-old high-flying sharpshooter has had stints with two teams since becoming the 13th overall pick out of UCLA in 2014. After a three-year run with the Minnesota Timberwolves, LaVine experienced his first change of scenery in the NBA as he was traded to the Bulls.

In Chicago, LaVine became a two-time All-Star. Since his second season with the Bulls, he’s averaged over 23 points each year across five seasons.

Currently, the Sixers could use a star shakeup, as their ten-time All-Star James Harden seems focused on finding a way out. A few weeks back, Harden picked up his player option for the 2023-2024 season and immediately requested a trade.

Although the Sixers seem hopeful they can mend the relationship with Harden and convince him to run it back for a third and final time next season, it seems the organization is on borrowed time with Harden. LaVine wouldn’t be a star that could totally replace Harden’s playmaking skills, but he could bring valuable three-level scoring to the table.

Since 2018, LaVine has averaged 25 points with an effective field goal percentage of 55 percent. From deep, the Bulls standout has averaged 39 percent while attempting seven threes per game. Then in the passing department, LaVine has averaged nearly five assists per game since joining the Bulls.

While Lillard might be the dream candidate for Sixers fans, LaVine could certainly be the second in line at this time. However, neither scenario seems realistic at this point in the offseason. The Blazers star definitely wants to be traded, but he’s done everything in his power to make sure he lands in Miami.

As for LaVine, he’s not at a point where he’s forcing his way out of Chicago. Instead, it’s the Bulls gauging trade interest for him around the league. With LaVine seemingly set on staying with the Bulls and Chicago’s front office not getting very far with trade discussions, LaVine probably won’t be on his way out anytime soon.