According to Miami Herald reporter Barry Jackson, all of the Miami Heat trade speculations involving Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls are mere pipe dreams and will likely remain so. Pat Riley, the president of the Miami Heat, is not going to gamble with the team’s financial future.
“Another big-time scorer, Chicago’s Zach LaVine, is available on the trade market,” Jackson wrote this week. “But a person in close contact with the Heat front office said Miami has not been pursuing a trade for him, at least as of now. (I would be surprised if that changes.)”
LaVine has dominated the early-season NBA trade rumor market, and with good reason. In his last two seasons, he has averaged 24.6 points, 4.1 assists, and 4.6 rebounds while shooting 48.0% and making 37.0% of his 3-point attempts.
He is a flexible and talented offensive player, and because this team is perceived to be lacking in offensive punch, players like LaVine will always be included in Miami Heat trade rumors.
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LaVine poses a challenge due to his substantial $215 million contract spanning four seasons, where he’s set to receive $179 million. Despite his star status, having led the Bulls to the playoffs once but ultimately being swept, his value is questioned. Jackson notes the Heat’s lack of interest in taking on long-term financial burdens, especially with a more restrictive CBA looming. This prompts consideration: is LaVine worth compromising future financial flexibility for? Jackson argues against it, and it seems the Heat concur.
Although rumors link prolific scorers to the Miami Heat, there’s a rationale behind it. Their offense, even with a healthy Tyler Herro, remains inefficient. Currently ranked 18th in offensive efficiency at 112.1, the team struggled even with Herro, registering 107.5 (26th in the NBA) when he played. Last season, they were 25th with a rating of 112.3, indicating a consistent offensive struggle.
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As a result, the NBA’s observer class and executives across the league believe the Heat are looking for some offensive punch. But every time a chance to trade for a scoring boost presents itself—Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal in the last year, and now LaVine—the Heat pass it up.
Earlier this month, The Athletic NBA source Shams Charania fanned trade rumors surrounding LaVine by citing mutual interest.
When teams came in Chicago three weeks ago for the start of the college basketball season, Zach LaVine was a major topic of conversation, according to Charania. Charania wrote:
“According to league sources, NBA teams are investigating the availability of two-time All-Star guard Zach LaVine, and the Chicago Bulls and LaVine have become more open to the possibility of a trade.” Many of the NBA’s 30 general managers will be in Chicago on Tuesday for the annual Champions Classic, which serves as the primary opening night of the college basketball season, and here is where discussions could start. According to league insiders, the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, and Philadelphia 76ers are all interested.”
Unfortunately, it looks that the Miami Heat are interested. And the answer is zero.
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