Expect the focus of trade talks for the Miami Heat to center around Zach LaVine in the coming months leading up to the February deadline. It’s a logical move for the Heat, given LaVine’s stellar performance as a top-tier scorer and two-time All-Star in recent years. Despite his willingness to adapt his playstyle when DeMar DeRozan joined the Bulls in the 2021-22 season, LaVine has consistently demonstrated his offensive prowess, averaging 27.4 points per game in the 2020-21 season.
Over the last two seasons, LaVine has maintained impressive averages of 24.6 points, 4.4 assists, and 4.5 rebounds while shooting efficiently at 48.1% from the field and 38.1% from beyond the arc. Such versatility and talent inevitably attract trade rumors linking LaVine to the Miami Heat.
However, there’s a significant factor to consider—the second year of LaVine’s substantial $215 million contract. With $179 million due over the next four seasons, the financial commitment raises questions, especially for a player whose team has reached the playoffs only once in nine seasons, and experienced a sweep upon arrival.
The potential paths for a blockbuster trade involving Zach LaVine to the Heat are threefold. First, the Heat might propose a trade involving Duncan Robinson and veteran guard Kyle Lowry, possibly with the addition of another player to balance salaries, potentially requiring the involvement of a third team.
Developing: NBA teams are probing the availability of Bulls two-time All-Star Zach LaVine and there is increased openness from both sides about exploring a trade, sources say.
Details at @TheAthletic: https://t.co/2UvELP2lMG
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 14, 2023
A second option involves bringing Tyler Herro, a frequent subject of trade rumors, back into consideration. Combining Herro with Robinson could be the key to completing the deal.
The third option entails packaging Herro with a group of young players, including Caleb Martin, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and forward Nikola Jovic, aligning with NBA trade regulations. From the Bulls’ perspective, this option is appealing as it provides three rebuilding pieces and Martin, along with the expectation of draft picks.
The Bulls are likely to favor Option 3, aiming for a star return, while insisting on additional draft picks. The Heat, on the other hand, may prefer Option 1, involving Lowry’s expiring contract and potentially a pair of draft picks, viewing LaVine as a weighty contract the Bulls want to shed without requiring excessive concessions.
Option 2, which involves Herro and Robinson, may strike a fair balance between the two teams. However, the unresolved question remains: Would the Heat be willing to part with Herro for LaVine, considering the prolonged nature of such negotiations, as seen in past deals like the one involving Lillard and, notably, Chris Paul four years ago?
Miami Heat Potential Target Zach LaVine Downplays Trade Talks
There has been extensive speculation surrounding the possibility of the Miami Heat acquiring Zach LaVine, the forward from the Chicago Bulls. The Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, and Philadelphia 76ers have all shown reported interest in a potential trade for LaVine. Following practice on Wednesday, LaVine addressed the ongoing trade rumors, expressing his understanding of the situation, noting that being part of trade talks is not new for him. He remains optimistic about wearing the Bulls jersey, emphasizing that such rumors are not a unique occurrence for him.
The speculation about the Miami Heat’s interest in adding another high-caliber player has gained traction, especially after their unsuccessful attempt to acquire All-Star guard Damian Lillard in the offseason. Some believe that the Heat could benefit from adding another scoring talent to complement Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Tyler Herro. LaVine, with a career as a consistent 20-point scorer, is seen as a potential asset for the Heat. He acknowledges the ongoing trade talks, attributing them to the struggles of the Bulls, whom the Heat defeated in the play-in tournament last year before their journey to the NBA Finals.
Reporter: “Do you want to be elsewhere?”
Zach LaVine: “Right now isn’t the time to really talk about that.” pic.twitter.com/Me5dAeEgfy
— Darnell Mayberry (@DarnellMayberry) November 15, 2023
Despite LaVine’s recognition of the trade rumors, he remains focused on the game, emphasizing that the team’s dissatisfaction stems from a desire for victories rather than a negative perspective on the business side of the sport. Meanwhile, the Miami Heat have been on a winning streak, securing six consecutive victories leading up to their upcoming game against the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday.