The Sixers have been linked to Zach LaVine for a while. The Bulls’ star would cost nearly all of the team’s future assets. Is he worth it?
While Philly currently sits atop the Eastern Conference, it’s still clear that the team is far from complete. The Sixers themselves even recognizes this, as shown by the recent trade rumors.
One of the biggest names the Sixers have been linked to is Chicago Bulls‘ star Zach LaVine.
Now, any Sixers fan would dream of adding Lavine to their Big 3 of Embiid, Simmons, and Harris, and it’s not hard to see why.
LaVine also has only fanned the flames of a deal by all but demanding a trade from Chicago. He’s also been vocal about the type of players he’d like to play with, and they sound awfully familiar.
Of course, while LaVine might have some say in where he goes, if Chicago decides to trade him, it’ll be for the best deal.
Can the Sixers stay competitive with the Knicks, Mavericks, and any other team that may be interested? And better yet, Should they?
What Would A Deal Cost The Sixers?
Zach LaVine is the greatest player the Sixers can realistically hope to acquire.
After James Harden was dealt, the two biggest names potentially available were thought to be Bradley Beal and then Zach Lavine. Well, Washington isn’t budging, and neither is Beal, so logically the next man up is LaVine.
Now Chicago would likely want a deal for Ben Simmons, but that’s just not happening. The Sixers would have included Simmons in a Harden deal, but, and no offense to LaVine, he’s not James Harden.
So the Bulls would have to accept a much young package in return which is honestly in their best interest as they are closer to rebuilding than contending.
The Trade Package
With that being said, any package would have to start with two of Shake Milton, Tyrese Maxey, and Matisse Thybulle. Most likely, the latter two as they provide the most long-term value. Isaiah Joe may even need to be included to put the deal over the top.
Additionally, there would need to be salary filler to match. Enters Danny Green, who the Bulls could flip again for either a highly protected first or multiple seconds.
Finally, the Sixers would need to attach multiple first-round picks and pick-swaps (though it’s hard to imagine they’d convey).
If that seems like a lot it’s because it is. This trade would slash the Sixers’ non-existent depth and would leave the team even more light-handed.
And it would absolutely be worth it.
It’s incredibly rare for a player of LaVine’s talent, age, and salary to become available. The Sixers should jump on the opportunity.
The Sixers already missed out on the James Harden sweepstakes. While retaining Ben Simmons was a substantial consolation prize, the same can’t be said in this case. Yes, the Sixers youth could develop into some solid players but none profile to Lavine’s level.
Tyrese Maxey is the most significant loss in this entire trade, and his ceiling is Zach Lavine-lite. Factor in the Sixers’ championship window and this becomes a no-brainer.
Still not convinced? Consider that Lavine is already signed for next season, and the Sixers would have his Full Bird Rights thereafter.
Mortgaging your team’s future is scary, but chances like this are once in a generation. Should the opportunity present itself, the Sixers must pounce, or they will certainly regret it.
