The Knicks just finished playing back-to-back games against the Chicago Bulls, and it gave them a chance to get a good look at a player who they’ve been monitoring since the summer. That player is Zach LaVine.
LaVine dropped more than 20 points in both games against the Knicks and has been one of the best guards in the entire NBA this season. On the year, LaVine is averaging over 26 points per game on 51% from the floor to go 5 rebounds and 5 assists. He’s a dominant player.
The Bulls have plenty of young talent on the roster, but the team hasn’t yet translated it into winning basketball. There have been rumors that LaVine could be made available via trade since the summer. Yahoo’s Ian Begley recently reaffirmed that the Knicks are still very much monitoring LaVine’s situation.
As the trade deadline draws nearer, the Knicks already find themselves being linked to a few different players around the NBA.
The Knicks are currently exceeding their preseason expectations and are very much fighting for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The team is trying to walk the line between developing their young players while playing winning basketball, and for the most part, it’s working.
LaVine isn’t going to be cheap to acquire. The Knicks have to ask themselves if they think LaVine can not only help them win today but that he can set them up for even greater success in the future.
Here’s a look at some realistic trade packages that the Knicks could offer in exchange for LaVine.