The Miami Heat were mentioned as one plausible landing spot for Zach LaVine. This was after reports surfaced that the Bulls were open to offers for the two-time All-Star.
Aside from the Heat, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers were mentioned as options by Shams Charania of The Athletic, citing sources.
“Teams that are expected to have a level of interest in [Zach] LaVine, I’m told: the Lakers, Heat, and 76ers… There could be movement in Chicago sooner than later.”@ShamsCharania on Zach LaVine’s status with the Bulls 🍿
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 14, 2023
(via @TheRally)pic.twitter.com/KoJDRb9AHM
"Teams that are expected to have a level of interest in [Zach] LaVine, I'm told: the Lakers, Heat, and 76ers... There could be movement in Chicago sooner than later," the scribe suggested.
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One stumbling block for any team is the contract of LaVine. He is still owed $178 million over four years, a huge sum that the Lakers, Sixers, or the Heat may not be able to afford, NBC Sports reported.
The Miami Heat could make sense with the Lakers and the Sixers already stacked with a credible lineup of players. Recall that they fell short of acquiring Damian Lillard in the offseason, so diverting their attention to the two-time NBA Slam Dunk champion makes sense.
But then again, there are points to consider. Here are some of them.
LaVine may find it hard to blend in with Heat
The Miami Heat could use the offensive prowess of LaVine if a trade were to be made. However, ball rotation could remain an issue, especially with Jimmy Butler wanting the ball in his hands most of the time.
LaVine could adjust to that and focus on playmaking. But given his career averages, will the 28-year-old be open to playing on a different team and a likely reduced role?
That could make sense early on if a deal is made. But looking at it long-term, the Heat could end up with the same problem the Bulls are dealing with right now.
Are the Heat willing to spend?
To secure LaVine, the Heat would need to dispose of some assets. After bypassing the "stretch provision" at the August deadline, the only way the Heat can tweak their roster is through a trade or a buyout, the Sun-Sentinel reported.
But who would the Heat sacrifice in favor of LaVine? The names of Kyle Lowry, Duncan Robinson, and/or Tyler Herro could headline any trade together with some of the less utilized players and future picks, per CBS Sports.
But with Miami seemingly doing well so far this early in the season with a 7-4 start, it may be risky to change it up for now.
Heat plays a waiting game on a potential LaVine buyout
Heat president Pat Riley could play the waiting game and see what other teams will do. Aware of the huge investment, Miami could opt to see if a buyout will happen.
The reason here is to avoid that lofty deal that LaVine holds right now. A buyout could be more affordable for the Heat, freeing them from any long-term obligation until LaVine proves he fits in well with the South Beach squad.
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