Zach LaVine is drawing “significant” interest from the Denver Nuggets

In the same week that multiple reports suggested a Zach LaVine trade remains unlikely, one team has reportedly emerged as a legitimate suitor.

According to Troy Jones and Sam Amick of The AthleticThe Denver Nuggets have taken a closer look at the Chicago Bulls’ two-time All-Star. LaVine has reportedly become a big part of their recent talks as they look to strengthen their core around superstar Nikola Jokic.

Here’s what the two reporters shared:

“As a result, the Nuggets have either expressed interest in or had initial trade discussions about the following players: Chicago’s Zach Lavine, Washington’s Jordan Poole, Utah’s Jordan Clarkson, Atlanta’s De’Andre Hunter, Brooklyn’s Cam Johnson and Washington’s Jonas Valančiūnas.

League sources say the focus on LaVine in recent discussions is significant, with the Nuggets interested in the 29-year-old, who is averaging 21.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists this season. LaVine, a two-time All-Star, is owed $43 million this season, $45.9 million next season and has a player option worth $48.9 million for the 2026-2027 campaign.“

I encourage you to read the entire article from The Athletic for full context here.

Could Denver make a move for Zach LaVine?

First of all, this is not your average trading rumor. The Athletic not only says that Denver has LaVine on a list of possible trade targets, but rather shares that he is near the top of their list. The fact that they go so far as to say that LaVine’s name has been a “significant” part of their recent discussions is … well … significant!

Does that mean a trade is now suddenly on the horizon? No, especially when we consider that they named a number of other players that Denver has expressed interest in. However, this is arguably the strongest connection we’ve seen between LaVine and an individual team this season. It’s also a reminder of how quickly things can change in the NBA. All it takes is two to tango and the Bulls may find their partner.

If one thing is certain, LaVine would make a lot of sense alongside an elite distributor like Nikola Jokic. Not only does he remain among the most explosive off-ball athletes in the NBA, but he’s shooting an elite 42.8 percent from downtown at high volume (7.5 3PAs per game). Of course, LaVine can also create plenty of offense for himself off the dribble, which is what Jones and Amick note as a specific skill the organization is looking to add. The team leans too much on Jokic and Jamal Murray’s shot creation.

With the way LaVine is playing to begin this season, there are likely fewer concerns about his ability to slide in alongside other star-caliber players. He’s recording his second-lowest usage rating since the 2017-18 season, but he’s still averaging 21.1 points on 50.1 percent shooting from the field.

Again, none of this means a trade is imminent, but the Nuggets should have what it takes to seal the deal. Michael Porter Jr. is named the likely trade chip in any deal by The Athletic. The jumbo wing is owed $35.8 million this season and $79.1 million over the next two seasons. All things considered, this may be more long-term salary than the Bulls want to take on, but Porter Jr. may also be a better player than anyone they could get in a LaVine deal.

The injury concerns with the 26-year-old are very real as he has only played more than 62 games in a season once in his career. But the six-foot-ten small forward is still one of the best long-range threats in the NBA. Porter Jr. has shot 40.8 percent from downtown and 50.0 percent from the field during his career. He’s off to another strong start this season, averaging a career-high 18.5 points and 7.1 rebounds per game on 38.5 shots from behind. The Bulls could certainly add worse players to their youth movement! At the same time, we can’t rule out that they get a third team involved and prioritize a clean cap sheet and draft capital!

Anyway, we now have a pretty big connection to keep an eye on as the deadline approaches! Also, let’s not forget that this is the old home of Arturas Karnisovas. He used to work closely with current Nuggets GM Calvin Booth, a relationship that could certainly come in handy if talks continue.