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Golden State Warriors: Zach LaVine, given his contract, should be a realistic trade option

By Nathan Beighle

PORTLAND, OREGON - NOVEMBER 29: Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls brings the ball up court during the second half of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center on November 29, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. The Trail Blazers won 107-103. 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 Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - NOVEMBER 29: Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls brings the ball up court during the second half of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center on November 29, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. The Trail Blazers won 107-103. 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 Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors have four wins in 23 games and will be looking to improve their roster for next season. Could Zach LaVine help?

There’s no denying this season hasn’t gone the way the Golden State Warriors had hoped.

At 4-19, the Warriors are almost out of playoff contention after just 23 games. Give it a couple of weeks and there will be absolutely no reason for either Stephen Curry or Klay Thompson to return this season.

However, what the Warriors have to do is look towards the future. They must put a winning product back on the court when their superstar talent is healthy.

That said, Zach Lavine may be an option to both enhance depth and maintain production. Back in 2018, LaVine signed a four-year, $78 million contract. That means he’ll be under a contract of around $19 million per year till following the 2021-2022 season.

The star offseason addition for Golden State, D’Angelo Russell, is under contract until after the 2022-2023 season. In that season, he’ll be making over $31 million. His addition was supposed to signal a future generation of Warriors basketball.

The 23-year-old was the team’s fourth max contract player, and it hurt their depth, being forced to sign veterans to the minimum.

However, with Eric Paschall’s arrival and a top-three pick almost locked up, the Warriors may choose a cheaper route. If they wanted to add some cap space, they could deal Russell for LaVine and potentially another asset like Wendell Carter Jr.

While Chicago likely wouldn’t part ways with the young big, it’s that type of idea that Chicago would have to give more that’s pivotal.

LaVine is actually averaging 22.5 points per game, but the Bulls are still one of the league’s worst teams and could take their team to the next level with Russell. In a weak East, they could return to prominence, and they’d have him for years to come.

The Warriors maintain a top-tier guard while also freeing up some cap space while the Bulls get their best player since Jimmy Butler.

Next. Top 25 Golden State Warriors in franchise history. dark

It seems like a win-win. Do you think so too?

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