Denver Nuggets Eye Zach LaVine: What's at Stake?
The Denver Nuggets are reportedly in discussions to acquire Zach LaVine from the Chicago Bulls. With LaVine's name circulating in trade talks for over a year, this development could finally see the star guard in new colors. The Nuggets, having started the season at 14-10, seem keen on bolstering their roster, especially their offensive capabilities.
Nuggets' Offensive Struggles
Denver's interest in LaVine is understandable given their current performance. Even with the league's seventh-best offense, the team struggles significantly when Nikola Jokic sits. They've managed only 97.3 points per 100 possessions without Jokic, a notable drop from last season's 105.6 points in similar situations. To put this into perspective, this year's Washington Wizards have scored 103.7 points per 100 possessions, slightly better than Denver's Jokic-less numbers.
Potential Roster Changes
Zach LaVine stands out not just for his skills but also for his hefty contract. He's making a cool $43 million this season and has a trade kicker to boot. However, Denver must carefully consider the financial implications. If they are serious about this acquisition, Michael Porter Jr. is likely the trade piece, as he's earning $35.9 million this season with substantial commitments in coming years.
LaVine could serve as a much-needed offensive spark. This season, he's averaging 21.7 points per game with a stellar 63.1% true shooting percentage. His three-point shooting has been a highlight, with a career-high 42.8% from beyond the arc, including 42.4% on pull-up attempts.
Weighing the Alternatives
Besides LaVine, Denver might explore other options like Cameron Johnson, Jordan Poole, and Jordan Clarkson. These players could provide flexibility and depth without overextending financially. Still, the allure of such an elite scorer like LaVine is hard to resist, especially for a team aiming for another postseason run.
For the Bulls, currently sitting at 12-15, parting with LaVine could signal a shift in strategy. They've had him on the trade block for a while now, and with his contract, moving him would open valuable cap space for future transactions.
The Athletic's Sam Amick and Tony Jones have described the talks as “significant,” hinting at a possible major shift for Denver. Whether it manifests as a change in scenery for LaVine remains to be seen. But one thing's for sure, the Nuggets seem poised to make a decisive move as they seek to strengthen their foothold in this competitive season.