Zach LaVine Trade Rumors: Kings 'Most Likely' Suitor for Bulls Star amid 76ers Buzz

The Sacramento Kings are reportedly the most likely suitor to trade for Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine.

Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported LaVine is "merely a backup option" for the Philadelphia 76ers, who are armed with max cap space to find a third star to play with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.

LaVine is a natural fit offensively next to Maxey in the backcourt, but the Sixers are expected to prioritize two-way players given the offensive firepower of the Embiid-Maxey duo. While he's not the turnstile he was early in his career, LaVine is still not a quality defender on the perimeter.

The Bulls are expected to explore LaVine's market this summer, but it's unclear how much of a market he will have. LaVine is due $89 million over the next two seasons and has a $49 million player option for 2026-27.

An All-Star in 2021 and 2022, LaVine has missed the team each of the last two seasons and has never been an All-NBA selection. He's coming off an injury-riddled campaign that saw him average just 19.5 points per game, his lowest total since 2017-18.

While that's nothing to sneeze at, 38 players averaged at least 20 points per game last season. It's not exactly a ringing endorsement when a player wouldn't rank in the top 40 among scorers when his top asset is scoring prowess.

Still, the Kings may have some interest in buying low if LaVine can be had for little return. They could offer a package centered around Kevin Huerter, Harrison Barnes and a couple future draft picks, and it's likely better than anything else the Bulls would be able to get.

Whether Chicago would be willing to accept that type of deal is another question entirely.