There’s more smoke surrounding the Warriors and Zach LaVine.
The Golden State Warriors and Chicago Bulls have engaged in “significant trade conversations” surrounding Bulls wing Zach LaVine, according to a report by Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. Siegel added that the Warriors are contemplating packages that would and would not include parting with Andrew Wiggins. As the trade deadline gets closer, will Mike Dunleavy Jr. make his first blockbuster acquisition since becoming general manager?
While rumors popped up earlier in the week that the Dubs had reengaged with the Miami Heat in trade talks for disgruntled star Jimmy Butler, Siegel reports that the price tag for Golden State has remained high and most folks around the league believe the Warriors are not a viable candidate for such a deal. Instead, after months of rumors surrounding Bulls center Nikola Vučević, the Warriors now seem to be prioritizing LaVine.
“The Bulls and Warriors have held significant trade conversations through the weeks, sources said, with the focus on LaVine and Nikola Vucevic,” Siegel wrote. “Although Vucevic was the early favorite to be traded to Golden State, the focus has shifted to LaVine, who would instantly become the team’s No. 2 scoring option next to Curry.”
Siegel rightfully points out that the Warriors had an opportunity to acquire LaVine last offseason, when the Bulls viewed him as an underwater contract they were willing to swap for Chris Paul’s expiring deal. Instead, the Dubs prioritized cutting salary to make a sign-and-trade for Klay Thompson’s departure. In hindsight, that sure looks like a missed opportunity.
However, Golden State appears to still be trying to acquire LaVine without parting with either Andrew Wiggins nor Jonathan Kuminga. While it will make filling out their roster difficult, Siegel notes that it is just barely possible for the Dubs to pull off.
“Kuminga being traded doesn’t seem likely for the Warriors, and trading Wiggins still draws a lot of mixed reviews,” per Siegel. “As a result, Golden State has been going through all of its options ahead of the trade deadline, including the possibility of pursuing LaVine without giving up either forward, sources said.”