Image Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Bulls guard Zach LaVine feeling pressure of outside rumors as NBA trade talk heats up

LaVine, who makes $43 million this season, is having an average of 21.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game.

Image Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

With the trade deadline less than two months away, NBA teams are pushing hard to boost their roster ahead of the playoffs. Meanwhile, the outside stories and rumours are adding pressure on Chicago Bulls guard, Zach LaVine who is on the radar of teams like the Denver Nuggets.

Denver has discussed potential moves for Zach LaVine, Jordan Poole, Jonas Valančiūnas, Jordan Clarkson, De’Andre Hunter, and Cam Johnson, per @Tjonesonthenba @sam_amick

Their interest in LaVine is ‘significant’ 👀

“The Nuggets have either expressed interest in, or have had… pic.twitter.com/CBIVhlgPc6
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 18, 2024

LaVine feels the heat of the trade talks going around him. “With everything I’ve learned there’s times where you need to speak and times you don’t,” LaVine said.

“I talked to you guys in February of last year? Whenever there’s something that needs to be said it will come from Zach LaVine or my representation. There were a lot of thoughts and rumors and opinions about me, about the organization, so just know that whenever it needs to come from me or them, you’ll know it will be from them. Everything else you can take with a grain of salt with false narratives or whatever it may be.“

He continued, “That won’t waver. That’s something I stand on. So anything going forward I think that’s how I’m going to answer it.”

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Denver Nuggets hoping to land LaVine to offer offensive help

The Athletic reported that the Denver Nuggets are looking for a player who can help offensively. The Nuggets are hoping to land LaVine to support MVP Nikola Jokic, who is consistently creating his own shots alongside Jamal Murray. Denver wants a prominent face who can create offense with the ball in his hands.

Meanwhile, the 29-year-old guard will face competition from Jordan Poole, Jordan Clarkson, De’Andre Hunter, Cam Johnson and Jonas Valančiūnas, who are reportedly the potential names on Denver’s wish list. LaVine, who makes $43 million this season, is having an average of 21.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game.

Michael Porter Jr. would likely be involved in any major Denver Nuggets trade, per @Tjonesonthenba & @sam_amick

“Any big trade would likely involve Porter, according to league sources. Porter has long been one of the best shooters in the league. This season, he has rounded into… pic.twitter.com/67UVzPX0ze
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 18, 2024

Michael Porter Jr could be sent out as a return on the deal. Nuggets can also opt for Dario Saric in the trade. The former Missouri alumni is signed through the 2026-27 season and averaging a career year of 18.5 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game.

Sam Amick‘s report adds, “Any big trade would likely involve Porter, according to league sources. Porter has long been one of the best shooters in the league. This season, he has rounded into becoming an all-around scorer, capable of impacting offense from all three levels.“

The Nuggets can go with Clarkson who scored off the bench and provided a great experience. A Clarkson deal likely would not require them to include Porter. However, adding an unprotected first-round pick swap would be a tricky call.

Image Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

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A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.