Philadelphia 76ers keeping tabs on Zach LaVine as the trade deadline looms

All eyes are on the Chicago Bulls’ Zach LaVine. With the trade deadline looming and the Bulls’ front office still searching for a suitable trade partner, one team that has emerged as a potential landing spot for the high-scoring shooting guard is the Philadelphia 76ers.

According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the Sixers are closely monitoring LaVine’s situation in Chicago, as they apparently view him as a potential missing piece in their quest for a championship.

Lots of assets

Speaking on FanDuel TV's Run It Back, Charania stated the Sixers have enough assets to make a run at either LaVine or up-and-coming star Scottie Barnes of the Toronto Raptors. Philadelphia has several first-round picks and the contracts of veterans like Marcus Morris, Robert Covington, and Nicolas Batum to entice teams in trade negotiations.

"Zach LaVine, OG Anunoby, those are two names to keep an eye on as guys that Philadelphia has monitored."@ShamsCharania on the Sixers monitoring the marketplace.

📺: https://t.co/wdT8I0ST8g pic.twitter.com/exXkQINeYh
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) December 21, 2023

Although the Sixers are having a fantastic season so far, they believe they need another top-notch player to get themselves over the top. Embiid, the reigning MVP, is having another stellar season, averaging 35.1 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game.

The 7-footer from Cameroon has also found a fitting running mate in Tyrese Maxey, who’s averaging 26.1 points and 6.7 dimes per game in what has been a breakout season.

Will LaVine fit?

LaVine is recuperating from a foot injury but is slated to return in January. While Zach has put up solid numbers this season, averaging 21.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, the question of fit—whether it’s with the Bulls or the Sixers—still looms large.

As an explosive scorer and playmaker, LaVine would undoubtedly bring another dimension to the Sixers’ offense, but it’s uncertain how he would fit alongside Embiid and Maxey.

Watch Kelly Oubre Jr. in the corner begging for Joel Embiid to pass him the ball 😂

Embiid ends up sinking the free throw jumper instead.pic.twitter.com/aZKRxao2Mh
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 21, 2023

Lots of assets

Will LaVine fit?

Chicago Bulls insider says 'All signs are pointing' to Zach LaVine eventually ending up with the Los Angeles Lakers