While both parties have been linked for over a yearNo action has been taken regarding the Miami Heat’s pursuit of Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine.
With the Heat coming off a first-round playoff exit last season and the Bulls in the midst of a post-Jordan rebuild, rumors of a possible deal are starting to resurface.
Frederic Okocha from Last word on sport believes LaVine has plenty of skills to help the Heat pursue their third NBA Finals appearance in six seasons.
“His ability to score in bunches, create his own shot and contribute as a secondary playmaker makes him an attractive option for teams looking to make a deep playoff run,” Okocha said.
Lavine has scored plenty of points since being traded from the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Bulls in 2017, averaging 24.2 points per game over seven seasons in the Windy City.
Playoff success has eluded LaVine, as he has appeared in just one playoff series, a 1-4 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks in 2022. He is also coming off a major injury, missing most of last season following foot surgery.
The Heat may finally be ready to make the move to add Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. Butler will be 35 at the start of the season and Adebayo is coming off a busy summer with Team USA.
LaVine still has two years and $88 million left on his contract, with a $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season, which represents a major financial risk. But for a team looking to win now, like the Heat, it’s worth the risk.
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