Rumour: The New York Knicks And The Brooklyn Nets Have Gained Interest In Trading For Zach Lavine. Which Team Would Benefit The Most With Zach Lavine?
The Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks have both done “background checks” on Chicago Bulls star, Zach Lavine, to prepare for the possibility of him being available to trade. According to Ian Begley from SportsNet New York, both teams are currently monitoring the situation to prepare an appealing package for the Bulls star. However, only one of these teams would benefit from making this trade, while the other would only waste Lavine’s prime. A critical note that should be considered is that Zach Lavine will be an unrestricted free agent, which entails that he can sign to any team he desires. If the New York Knicks or the Brooklyn Nets accomplish a successful trade circling Zach Lavine, one of the teams would heavily prevail. At the same time, the other would suffer a similar situation as last season, where they foolishly traded their star pupil in exchange for virtually nothing.
The Brooklyn Nets pursuing Zach Lavine is almost a match made in heaven. The only concern that should be noted is Lavine’s injury history, which could be seen as problematic. Zach Lavine is currently averaging more than 25 points per game while shooting efficiently from the field and past the arc. His athleticism and driving ability make Chicago basketball entertaining but a risk towards his health. Furthermore, Lavine would be in a situation where he would be able to compete for a championship while playing with superstar names like Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. This would be the first time in Lavine’s career where he would be on a playoff-contending team, let alone a championship team. Even though he is a monster statistically for the Chicago Bulls, the idea of Lavine as a third option behind Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving would be something far more superior. As far as the trade is concerned, a package of Spencer Dinwiddie and Caris Levert with a draft pick or two should suffice enough for the Bulls to consider. If that package isn’t enough, adding Jarrett Allen would be more than worth it considering that the Nets would be receiving an All-Star calibre player!
The New York Knicks are in the complete opposite spectrum compared to the Nets. Unlike Brooklyn, New York is a situation where they have a dysfunctional front office with little to no direction. Trading for Lavine makes no sense due to the alarming situation that is present with the Knicks. In the last 15-20 years, New York has been a staple for basketball but has been unsuccessful in finding any real finals aspirations. With the Knicks being as young as they are, trading for Zach Lavine does fit the timeline but would be a waste of a trade considering how far they are from actually competing for a playoff spot. Even though Zach Lavine would provide more wins, he wouldn’t be enough to make a viable impact in making the playoffs considering how he is currently struggling to lead the Bulls who have a better roster than the New York Knicks.
Furthermore, the fit in New York wouldn’t make much sense either considering that Lavine would be placed at the small forward assuming that RJ Barrett is not part of the trade package in acquiring Lavine. The Knicks get an All-Star calibre player, which is an excellent start in making the playoffs, but the only problem is, their dysfunctional front office and lack of a consistent coach would only force Lavine to request a trade and never wanting to play in the Garden ever again! New York should focus on building around what they currently have while also signing veteran players to help lead their young roster in developing a winning identity.
Lavine wanting to either leave via free agency or requesting a trade is bound to happen if he wants to win a championship. The Chicago Bulls current situation is frustrating and confusing as they have a great team on paper that performs mediocrely on the court. The Bulls are trade and a coach away from being actual playoff contenders, but due to how dysfunctional their front-office is, they will probably fail to construct a decent team around Zach Lavine.
For years, the Bulls looked like a playoff contender but would always disappoint due to lacklustre rotations to make up for their constant injuries that this team would suffer. Lavine needs to be in a situation where he can compete for a title while making a viable impact. His three-point shooting and athleticism should only elevate teams to trading for Lavine as he can be an incredible impact player. However, other than the Knicks and Nets, which team would be the best fit for Zach Lavine?