5 Teams That Could Sign Zach LaVine
Examining the San Antonio Spurs competition for landing Zach LaVine (Photo via NBA.com)
This summer, All-Star Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls will be a free agent. While many people believe LaVine will stay with the Bulls, there is also a lot of chatter that he might land on another team.
While it would make a lot of sense for the San Antonio Spurs to consider signing LaVine, other teams covet the shooting guard as well. Let’s take a look at some of the teams that may compete with the Spurs to sign LaVine.
These Teams Could Have a Shot at Zach LaVine
Zach LaVine would be a natural fit wit the Spurs. He would work great with long-time friend Dejounte Murray, and could help fill gaps with scoring. Additionally, the Spurs should be able to manage LaVine’s knee injury.
Bobby Marks of ESPN talked about other teams where Zach LaVine could land. According to Marks, the Spurs will be competing with the Orlando Magic, the Detroit Pistons, the Indiana Pacers and the Portland Trail Blazers. Of those teams, the least likely contender is Portland. The Trail Blazers would need to waive multiple players to afford LaVine.
Here’s the thing though—the Bulls can beat the best offer out there by at least $56 million. Nonetheless, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst stated while speaking with Marks and Nick Friedell, “Subsequently, as I’ve talked to league executives, there’s now some belief – and maybe only Zach knows – but there’s now some belief that Zach could be in play, that what a lot of people thought was a forgone conclusion of Zach staying in Chicago on whatever deal was going to be may not be the case.”
LaVine will be having arthroscopic surgery performed on his knee. While this could affect his prospects, his talent is unquestionable. A five-year max contract is not out of the question, even with the injury taken into account. If the Spurs, Pacers, Pistons, Magic, or even the Trail Blazers make offers, that would drive up what LaVine could demand in negotiation with the Bulls. We will just have to see what value the Bulls and these other teams place on him.