Key Takeaways:
– Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz proposes a possible trade of Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine to the Golden State Warriors.
– Swartz suggests this trade could enhance the Warriors’ performance if current star Klay Thompson leaves in free agency.
– Despite concerns regarding LaVine’s injury and high salary, Swartz believes the trade could be cost-effective and beneficial for the Warriors.
– A proposed deal involving Andrew Wiggins, Gary Payton II, and Kevon Looney has been mentioned by Swartz.
Golden State Warriors’ Free Agency Role
With the free agency decisions of star player Klay Thompson hanging in the balance, the Golden State Warriors face a pivotal offseason. If Thompson chooses to move on, it’s a game-changer for the Warriors. However, sportswriter Greg Swartz, from Bleacher Report, hints at a surprise solution that could provide the team with added firepower.
Zach LaVine, the two-time All-Star guard from the Chicago Bulls, is Swartz’s suggested trade target. According to Swartz, acquiring LaVine could act as a worthy backup for Stephen Curry, who is approaching his 16th season. LaVine’s expertise as a catch-and-shoot threat can be highly beneficial for the Warriors. If Thompson stays with the Warriors, LaVine could still fit well into the starting lineup.
Zach LaVine’s Performance and Injury Concerns
Since his stellar All-Star performances in 2020-21 and 2021-22, LaVine’s recent season was cut short by an unfortunate foot injury. After only 23 games, he had to undergo surgery. However, LaVine has been consistently sharing his recovery process, indicating a promising return.
Despite his lowered performance last season with an average of 19.5 points and a 34.9% shot rate beyond the arc, LaVine’s potential cannot be underestimated. The injury could be perceived as a significant concern for teams considering a contract with him. But, he’s proven his worth in the past two seasons and remains one to watch.
Financial Implications for the Warriors
Signing LaVine is no mere pocket change. Currently, LaVine is due to earn approximately $138 million over the next three years under a five-year agreement worth a total of $215.1 million. By 2024-25, his salary would count $43 million against the salary cap, with a player option for $48.9 million in its final season of 2026-27.
While this seems like a hefty price to pay, it might club well with Curry’s service term that is teetering on the edge, given he would be 38 that season. This makes LaVine’s trade not entirely negative as his possible exit might allow the Warriors to get off several unwanted contracts.
Trade Deal Scenario
Swartz outlines a potential trade where the Warriors would receive Zach LaVine, and the Bulls, in exchange, would get Andrew Wiggins, Gary Payton II, and Kevon Looney. This proposal could prove beneficial as the Bulls are looking to offload LaVine’s contract and continue their roster’s retooling.
Andrew Wiggins, entering his second year of a four-year, $109 million contract, can prove a useful trade candidate. Combined with Payton’s recent decision to opt into his contract and Looney’s current contract status, this trade could help the Warriors circumvent the luxury tax directive per the team’s ownership.
To sum it up, while the possibility of Zach LaVine’s trade to the Golden State Warriors might raise several eyebrows, it’s an interesting prospect that could alter the team’s dynamics for the better if Klay Thompson chooses to leave. Despite the high stakes, such a trade could present a win-win situation for both Warriors and Bulls in the near future.