NBA Rumors: New York Knicks keeping a close eye on Zach LaVine
At 9-11, through the first quarter of the 2020-21 NBA season, the New York Knicks have been a pleasant surprise in the Eastern Conference. Even though no one believed the Knicks would be a playoff team this season, this team continues to play at a competent level thus far.
Less than two months away from the NBA Trade Deadline, it wouldn’t be surprising for the Knicks to be an active team. Whether they will be buyers or sellers remains to be seen and will likely continue to hinge on how they perform over the next couple of weeks.
However, according to a recent report, the Knicks are keeping a close eye on Zach LaVine and his situation with the Chicago Bulls. He has one more year remaining on his contract (after this season) and would qualify as a potential star that could find his way to the trade block sooner rather than later if he is indeed tired of the lack of success in Chicago.
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Even though neither LaVine nor the Bulls have shown the willingness to move on from each other, New York (and likely other teams) will wait for their moment to pounce on potentially the next star to hit the trade block.
"[via SNY.TV]But as the 2021 trade deadline approaches, the Knicks are still keeping an eye on LaVine’s situation in Chicago, per SNY sources."
LaVine is on pace to have the best season of his career and is averaging 27 points, five rebounds, and five assists on 50 percent shooting from the field and 40 percent shooting from 3-point range. He’s playing at an all-star caliber and has been one of the best guards in the Eastern Conference this season.
New York will always try to take advantage of the market for a star and LaVine, at just 25 years old, would be a great young player for a rebuilding team to pounce on. In fact, the Knicks are not the only team that should be interested or keeping a close eye on the situation in Chicago.
While the Bulls may not be shopping LaVine at the moment, it’d be interesting to see if that changes in the event Chicago falls into an extended losing streak or if they fall out of the playoff race in the Eastern Conference.