CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 12: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks is challenged by Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on November 12, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Report: Dallas Mavericks interested in Zach LaVine-Luka Doncic pairing
Jan 17, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (8) looks to shoot as Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) defends during the first half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Zach LaVine has been the talk of the town for the past few weeks. Ever since his exit interview left Chicago Bulls fans panicked, rumors have begun to come out that he may not want to play in the Windy City anymore.
The Bulls guard has been connected to a plethora of teams. This list includes the Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, and Atlanta Hawks.
However, the most serious contender to land him may be one that was just recently eliminated from the playoffs, according to a recent report.
Long-time NBA insider Marc Stein (subscription required) reported that the Dallas Mavericks have been internally weighing the idea of making a serious push for two-time All-Star.
Dallas was eliminated in the Western Conference Finals by the Golden State Warriors this year in five games. However, as Luka Doncic gets set to enter his fifth NBA season, surrounding him with as much talent as possible will be crucial.
LaVine is an elite shot-creator and would be the best teammate Doncic has ever played with. Jalen Brunson and Spencer Dinwiddie showed the value of having shot-creators around Doncic this past year, and LaVine would be able to take things to the next level.
All that being said, Stein also noted that the Mavericks are thinking up ways to get LaVine while also upgrading other areas of the roster. They will be looking for an upgrade at the center position, as well as on the wing.
Despite this, the thought of a Doncic-LaVine pairing might be too intriguing to pass up. Dallas could send an assortment of Brunson, Tim Hardaway Jr., Maxi Kleber, or others in a sign-and-trade to Chicago to sweeten the deal and make life easier on themselves.
In the end, though, it’s all about Doncic. If the Mavs believe that adding LaVine to the mix will help take Doncic to the next level, then it’s something they need to seriously consider doing.
