Three Teams That Could Target Chicago Bulls Star Zach Lavine This Off-Season

 

Recently, it has come out that sources around the NBA believe that offensive superstar Zach Lavine will likely not end his current contract with the Chicago Bulls, as the team may be looking to move in a different direction on the floor. 

While the offensive game is one of the best in the NBA, Lavine has dealt with plenty of injury issues, and the defence is suspect at times. So with all of that in mind, which NBA teams should pursue him this coming off-season in a trade?

New York Knicks

The New York Knicks had a very impressive run through the playoffs this year, but after being beaten in the second round by the Miami Heat, it's becoming very clear that this team needs an offensive force next to Jalen Brunson, so who better than Lavine?

Ultimately, their desire to land Lavine may come down to whether or not they should move R.J. Barrett, and if the Knicks believe his long-term upside trumps Zach's offensive impact, this shouldn't be a question, but for now, they're a team to keep an eye on.

Los Angeles Lakers

This is another team that had a solid run through the playoffs, but again, fell short due to the lack of scoring options beyond LeBron James, and as he continues in the twilight of his career, there's no doubting that he needs another offensive force if he is to win his fifth NBA Championship.

Their trade chips are no doubt more limited than other teams that may have their eyes on Lavine, but if he truly wants to return to California and become a Laker, a trade demand would go a long way, and while point guard is an option for them to explore, don't discount this one.

Portland Trail Blazers 

The Portland Trail Blazers have all but wasted the prime of one of the NBA's brightest stars, and this off-season, they've seemingly made it clear that they want to put a winning team around Damian Lillard, so why not pair him with an elite scoring wing?

It's going to take a lot more, but with young names like Anfernee Simons, Shaedon Sharpe and the No. 3 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, they've got the pieces to make multiple moves, so could this be one move to make another great trio in the NBA?

Photo Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports