NBA contenders should think twice before trading for Zach LaVine

Zach LaVine is a hot commodity in the NBA right now. If the Chicago Bulls front office hits the reset button, the two-time All-Star is expected to be one of the first players on the trade block. LaVine could net the struggling Eastern Conference franchise a handsome return in any potential trade.

Should LaVine get traded, he is unlikely to be the primary star on his new team. Sam Vecenie of The Athletic has reported that some front offices believe he would be better served as a second or third option on a contending roster and that his "game does not translate well to winning situations."

"Some members of NBA front offices believe he can be a No. 2 option on a great team, as long as it has a genuine No. 1," Vecenie wrote. "Others think of him more as a third option, and those players tend to bring a bit more two-way play to legitimate contenders."

LaVine joined the Bulls in 2017. He's started 361 of a possible 362 regular-season games for the Bulls, averaging 24.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists, while shooting 47% from the field and 38.4% from three-point range. For almost that entire run, LaVine has been the primary star.

Any contending team that wants to acquire LaVine will also need to navigate his negative impact on the defensive end. It will be interesting to see what players teams are willing to part with in order to acquire LaVine. 

For example, the Los Angeles Lakers may try to retain Jarred Vanderbilt in a potential deal due to the upside he provides as a defensive-minded wing, whereas they might be more willing to part with Rui Hachimura. 

Despite his defensive drawbacks and a clear role change being on the horizon, LaVine will undoubtedly draw interest from around the NBA. It's just that those interested teams won't plan on giving the veteran wing the keys to the offense. Instead, he will be tasked with shining as part of a system while another star leads the way. Still, that type of role could unlock LaVine and help him bring his offensive production to a new level.