There are very few All-Star-caliber players on the trade market right now for the Golden State Warriors to consider, but the team has been asked to reconsider one who is undoubtedly available.
The Chicago Bulls have been trying to find a new home for Zach LaVine this offseason, but have yet to find a taker for the two-time All-Star with three years and almost $140 million remaining on his contract.
LaVine’s salary and injury history have made him an undesirable trade candidate, but there’s no denying the 29-year-old’s potential, as he’s averaged at least 23.7 points in five of the previous six seasons.
Given their need for a real second scorer to complement Stephen Curry, the Warriors have been identified as one of the few teams who could be interested in LaVine. That trend continued on Wednesday, when Andscape’s Marc J. Spears joined KNBR and said “it’s worth taking a chance on Zach LaVine.”
“If you’re going to take a risk on Zach LaVine, I believe they (the Warriors) have the roster to do so,” Spears said. “If he can be healthy, I think he puts the Warriors in a different atmosphere.”
The two ‘ifs’ in that statement ring loud, as the former lottery pick was limited to 25 games last season before foot surgery in February. According to Bleacher Report and TNT’s Chris Haynes, Golden State declined an offer from Chicago in late June to acquire LaVine in exchange for Chris Paul and Andrew Wiggins.
Instead, the Warriors elected to waive Paul, leaving any potential trade package to revolve around Wiggins, Gary Payton II, and Kevon Looney if the organization wishes to acquire LaVine over the remainder of the offseason.
Despite Spears’ proposal, a LaVine-to-Golden State deal remains improbable, with the front staff preferring to bank on Wiggins’ rebound season over taking on the risks connected with bringing in the Bulls guard.
