Warriors Eye Zach LaVine Trade as Deadline Looms

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The Golden State Warriors, struggling to stay afloat in the Western Conference, are reportedly exploring a trade for Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine ahead of the Feb. 6 deadline. The move could signal a pivotal shift for a franchise grappling with its identity after a championship-winning era.

LaVine, a two-time NBA All-Star, has emerged as a potential solution for the Warriors, who have fallen below .500 this season. The 28-year-old guard is averaging 24 points per game on career-best shooting efficiency, including 51.4% from the field and 45% from beyond the arc. Despite his offensive prowess, LaVine’s defensive limitations and injury history — he played just 25 games last season — raise questions about his fit with Golden State’s system.

“LaVine isn’t a franchise savior,” said a league insider. “But he’s a really good player who could test the quality of the Warriors’ operation.”

The Warriors, who won the NBA title in 2022, have since struggled to maintain their dominance. Their recent loss to the Sacramento Kings, where they squandered a 17-point lead, highlighted their fragility. The team’s front office, once celebrated for its bold moves, now faces scrutiny for its perceived passivity.

Acquiring LaVine would require significant financial maneuvering. His $43 million annual salary would necessitate trading one of Golden State’s high-earning players, such as Andrew Wiggins or Klay Thompson. Wiggins, a key defensive asset, is seen as less likely to be moved, while Thompson’s emotional ties to the franchise complicate any potential deal.

“The Warriors have met these moments before and chosen not to do the hard thing,” said a source close to the team. “They’ve valued financial savings over bold moves.”

Chicago, meanwhile, is open to trading LaVine and center Nikola Vučević as they hover near the Eastern Conference play-in spot. Vučević, averaging 20.3 points per game, has also drawn interest from Golden State as they seek to bolster their frontcourt.

Whether the Warriors pull off a blockbuster trade or stand pat, their decision will reveal much about the franchise’s direction. “We’ll know in two weeks if they’re still the Warriors who built a dynasty,” said a league analyst.