Ever since Denver’s interest in Zach LaVine became a talking point, Jamal Murray has provided a firm reminder that he already operates in that role for the Nuggets, averaging 21 points and six assists on 47/41/92% shooting splits since the start of December. Jimmy Butler is the biggest name and certainly the loudest personality on the market this season, but while his saga has reached a stalemate in Miami, LaVine has quietly emerged as the best basketball player up for grabs. Even with the Nuggets rolling, he’s talented and versatile enough as a scorer to warrant consideration, especially if Chicago is agreeable to the idea of taking on Zeke Nnaji’s contract as salary-filler alongside Michael Porter Jr. But that seems unlikely as LaVine becomes an increasingly popular trade target, while back in Denver, Murray’s recent efficiency should render big-game hunting less of a priority.
Source: Denver Post
Source: Denver Post
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
No Embiid, barely any Paul George — and it doesn’t matter.
Bulls drop a 109-97 loss to the 76ers. Substantial implications for the Eastern Conference standings out of that result.
LaVine (25 pts) and Vooch (22 pts) supplied nearly half of the total offense for the Bulls. – 10:17 PM
No Embiid, barely any Paul George — and it doesn’t matter.
Bulls drop a 109-97 loss to the 76ers. Substantial implications for the Eastern Conference standings out of that result.
LaVine (25 pts) and Vooch (22 pts) supplied nearly half of the total offense for the Bulls. – 10:17 PM
KC Johnson @KCJHoop
76ers 109, Bulls 97
Shorthanded 76ers outscore Bulls 29-14 in 4th, pull within 1 game for 10th in East
Bulls 20 TOs, leading to 25 76ers points
LaVine 25 pts, 8 rebs
Maxey 31 pts, 9 assists – 10:16 PM
76ers 109, Bulls 97
Shorthanded 76ers outscore Bulls 29-14 in 4th, pull within 1 game for 10th in East
Bulls 20 TOs, leading to 25 76ers points
LaVine 25 pts, 8 rebs
Maxey 31 pts, 9 assists – 10:16 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
My brother what in the hell are you seeing on that LaVine slap across Eric Gordon’s arms to not call that a foul? – 10:12 PM
My brother what in the hell are you seeing on that LaVine slap across Eric Gordon’s arms to not call that a foul? – 10:12 PM
KC Johnson @KCJHoop
LaVine fouled Gordon badly. This will be easy challenge win for 76ers – 10:10 PM
LaVine fouled Gordon badly. This will be easy challenge win for 76ers – 10:10 PM
KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Matas Buzelis ranks 12.7 minutes per game but his team ranks in blocks is 1st and dunks is 2nd (behind LaVine) – 8:30 PM
Matas Buzelis ranks 12.7 minutes per game but his team ranks in blocks is 1st and dunks is 2nd (behind LaVine) – 8:30 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
NBA leaders in effective field goal percentage (min. 12 FGA and 7 3PA per game):
Cam Johnson: 61.3
Zach Lavine: 60.8
Norman Powell: 59.4
Tyler Herro: 58.6
Stephen Curry: 57.6
Kyrie Irving: 56.6
Malik Beasley: 56.4
Derrick White: 56.3
Victor Wembanyama: 56.3
Damian Lillard: 55.0 pic.x.com/xgb7S4LGbY – 9:32 AM
NBA leaders in effective field goal percentage (min. 12 FGA and 7 3PA per game):
Cam Johnson: 61.3
Zach Lavine: 60.8
Norman Powell: 59.4
Tyler Herro: 58.6
Stephen Curry: 57.6
Kyrie Irving: 56.6
Malik Beasley: 56.4
Derrick White: 56.3
Victor Wembanyama: 56.3
Damian Lillard: 55.0 pic.x.com/xgb7S4LGbY – 9:32 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
We’re going live on @PHNX_Suns to talk Jimmy Butler and Zach LaVine, plus we’ll have Tim Legler on to talk about everything he’s seeing with the Suns! Come hang out:
buff.ly/40u8l3h – 4:57 PM
We’re going live on @PHNX_Suns to talk Jimmy Butler and Zach LaVine, plus we’ll have Tim Legler on to talk about everything he’s seeing with the Suns! Come hang out:
buff.ly/40u8l3h – 4:57 PM
Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Phoenix Suns could explore Zach LaVine trade involving Bradley Beal sportando.basketball/en/phoenix-sun… – 10:21 AM
Phoenix Suns could explore Zach LaVine trade involving Bradley Beal sportando.basketball/en/phoenix-sun… – 10:21 AM
More on this storyline
In LaVine’s case, sources say, he has not been pushing to be moved. Yet that, to be clear, won’t necessarily insulate LaVine from being dealt if an offer Chicago likes surfaces in the next 13 days. Sources say Phoenix, to name one example, could emerge with interest in exploring a swap of Bradley Beal for LaVine, sources said, depending on how the rest of the trade landscape develops in the coming weeks. -via marcstein.substack.com / January 24, 2025
Sources tell The Stein Line that LaVine, who has put himself in contention for a third career All-Star selection with his strong play for the Bulls thus far this season, would prefer to remain in Chicago beyond the Feb. 6 deadline. LaVine’s name has featured in leaguewide trade chatter virtually all season after the Bulls’ monthslong quest to trade him in 2023-24. Denver emerged as a possible trade suitor for LaVine in December and, more recently, he has been frequently lumped into chatter as a potential co-star in multi-team trade constructions that would facilitate Jimmy Butler’s exit from the Miami Heat. -via marcstein.substack.com / January 24, 2025
