While Luka Doncic is obviously able to line up 60 points, 21 rebounds, 10 assists in a basketball game, it doesn’t change the fact that the Mavericks need to surround him better to have a chance to be competitive in the playoffs. . One big name is currently roaming the halls of the Dallas franchise: Zach LaVine.
“There are high-ranking executives at the Mavs who are fans of Zach LaVine.”
That’s what the insider saidESPN Tim MacMahon on Zach Lowe’s Podcast just recently. A short sentence that is enough to fuel the rumors amid the respective problems of Chicago and Dallas.
Among the Bulls, disappointing early season results (W14-L19, 11th in the East) coupled with their somewhat underwhelming performance at their $215 million rearguard cause frustration and questioning. Among the Mavericks, Luka’s addiction has perhaps never been stronger and the Texan franchise must quickly find a way to better surround him or risk wasting one of the greatest talents of all time.
Could a Zach LaVine transfer be an option for these two franchises?
Report: Zach LaVine has ‘fans’ in Mavericks front office https://t.co/oWy3byAyXh
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) December 28, 2022
First thing to know, LaVine can’t be traded until January 15 due to his contract extension this summer. So if Zach is one of the NBA’s greatest offensive talents in the back position (25 points and 4.5 assists on average over the last five seasons, 47% shooting including 39% from 3-point range and 83% in shoot), we must not forget that he he remains undergoing knee surgery and his current level of play falls short of the maximum contract he is currently playing under. Therefore, even if Dallas leaders seem interested in his services, others would prefer to put a brake on the franchise if Tim MacMahon is to be believed. Finally, according to Zach Lowe’sESPNthe Bulls have yet to reach a point where they feel the need to part ways with one or more of their stars, who still believe in their ability to bounce back.
As you can see, a trade that sends LaVine to Dallas tomorrow is unlikely. However, we cannot rule out a scenario in which the issue returns to the table in a few weeks at the time of the NBA Trade Deadline, or in a few months during the offseason.
If ever – one way or another – Zach ends up at the Mavericks, Doncic will finally find himself with a second worthy scorer/scorer in the backcourt (and rather complementary), who has been especially lacking since the beginning of Jalen Brunson at the Knicks last summer.
___
Source text: ESPN
