Is Zach LaVine The Freak Athlete Heat Brother That DJJ Needs?
Enter the Chicago Bulls.
The last one and a half years have seen a near-player mutiny against head coach Jim Boylen, for a series of practices that players deemed inappropriate enough to get the NBA Players Association involved. Add in the rumored front office reboot, the potential reluctance to resign Boylen, and the frustrated looks from Zach LaVine aimed at the aforementioned coach throughout the season and the Bulls are poised to implode beyond their 21-41 record.
Things have gotten so bad that even the local papers are speculating that LaVine will find his exit by the end of 2022—if not sooner. Call it the $19.5 million move that Pat Riley and general manager Andy Elisburg need to make happen.
The cap space will be there, however, the Bulls would have to find something desirable on the Miami Heat roster, starting with Kelly Olynyk’s expiring contract. A longshot, but so was the 2019-20 Miami revamp that saw the most untradeable contracts be moved.
The potential would be overwhelming.
LaVine, who averages 25.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.2 points per game, would not only give Miami a dangerous secondary perimeter option, he would be a bona fide no.1 scorer because of his ability to shoot, create off the bounce, and get to the bucket.
In a game of what-ifs, LaVine would fill a void that would move the Heat further up next season’s Eastern Conference standings, while keeping them a threat for the future if they strike out on Giannis Antetokounmpo.
These are a trio of possibilities for the Miami Heat. Either could serve to take them to the next level. How will Pat Riley and the crew act?