Knicks and Nets Exploring Trade For Bulls’ Guard Zach LaVine

Zach LaVine at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Sports Awards in 2015. Photo by Rob Latour/Shutterstock (4904787dl)
Zach LaVine at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Sports Awards in 2015. Photo by Rob Latour/Shutterstock (4904787dl)

Knicks and Nets figured the city of New York needs an electric dunker, so they both decided to target the same player. According to Ian Begley of SNY, the two franchises are showing interest in Chicago Bulls’ guard and two times NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion Zach LaVine.

Begley reports that Knicks and Nets have done background work on LaVine in the past and are on alert if the player becomes available. This could happen in the case that Bulls decide to undergo another rebuild after front office changes, or if the 25-year-old player himself decided to force his way out.

Knicks view LaVine as a great addition to their young core and someone who could serve as a draw for high-profile free agents. It’s worth noting that the team’s president Leon Rose was one of the top CAA agents and is well familiar with LaVine.

Nets, on the other hand, believe LaVine is the piece they need alongside Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving to secure dominance in the Eastern Conference.

Zach LaVine was in the midst of a career season before NBA suspended 2019/20 due to coronavirus pandemic. In 60 games he averaged career highs in points (25.5), rebounds (4.8) and steals (1.5) while also adding 4.2 assists per game.

LaVine has been with Bulls since 2017, joining from Minnesota Timberwolves as part of the Jimmy Butler trade.