Even if Luka Doncic is obviously capable of lining up 60 points, 21 rebounds, 10 assists in a basketball game, it does not change the fact that the Mavericks need to surround him better to have a chance to be competitive in the Playoffs. . A big name is currently roaming the halls of the Dallas franchise: Zach LaVine.
“There are high-ranking executives at the Mavs who are fans of Zach LaVine.”
This is what the insider saidESPN Tim MacMahon sur le podcast de Zach Lowe recently. A short sentence that has enough to fuel the rumors in the midst of the respective problems of Chicago and Dallas.
Among the Bulls, the disappointing results of the first part of the season (14 wins – 19 losses, 11th in the East) associated with the slightly disappointing performances of their rear at 215 million dollars cause frustration and questioning. Among the Mavericks, Luka-dependence has perhaps never been so strong and the Texas franchise must quickly find a way to better surround him or risk wasting one of the greatest all-time talents.
Could a Zach LaVine transfer be an option for these two franchises?
Report: Zach LaVine has ‘fans’ within the Mavericks front office https://t.co/oWy3byAyXh
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) December 28, 2022
First thing to know, LaVine can’t be traded until Jan. 15 because of his contract extension this summer. Then, if Zach is one of the greatest offensive talents in the NBA at the back position (25 points and 4.5 assists on average over his last five seasons, 47% shooting including 39% at 3-pointers and 83% in throws), we must not forget that he remains on knee surgery and his current level of play is not up to the max contract he is currently playing under. Thus, even if Dallas leaders seem interested in his services, others would rather put a brake on the franchise if we are to believe Tim MacMahon. Finally, according to Zach Lowe ofESPNthe Bulls have not yet reached a point where they feel it necessary to part with one or more of their stars, who still believe in their ability to bounce back.
As you can see, a trade sending LaVine to Dallas tomorrow is unlikely. On the other hand, we cannot exclude a scenario in which the question comes back on the table in a few weeks at the time of the NBA Trade Deadline, or in a few months during the offseason.
If ever – one way or another – Zach ends up at the Mavericks, Doncic will finally find himself with a second worthy creator/scorer on the backcourt (and rather complementary), which has been particularly lacking since the start. of Jalen Brunson to the Knicks last summer.
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Source texte : ESPN