Amidst the trade rumors currently dominating the NBA Off-Season, one name that is prominently popping up is Chicago Bulls player Zach LaVine. With trade speculation at an all-time high, the Charlotte Hornets are now showing keen interest in the shooting guard. This comes after the Philadelphia 76ers reportedly rejected a trade for LaVine, raising concerns for the Bulls and excitement for Hornets fans.

A few hours ago, former Hoops Hype journalist Jake Weinbach took to his official X account to provide an update on the Zach LaVine trade saga. He reported that LaMelo Ball and Co are emerging as a “potential suitor” to acquire the player within their fold. This update comes after reports that the franchise is showing a willingness to absorb “large contracts in exchange for future assets”. As a result, if things go well, then the Hornets would be willing to take up the remaining dues of LaVine’s 5-year, $215 million contract that he signed back in 2022.

The Hornets’ interest in the shooting guard comes after the Philadelphia 76ers reportedly refused to take him in. According to Yahoo Sports reporter Jake Fischer, the player is only being kept as a “backup option” by Daryl Morey and other members of the 76ers management. The Sacramento Kings still stay in the race to acquire LaVine, however, since a team-up between him, De’Aaron Fox, and Domantas Sabonis will go a long way in improving the offensive prowess of the roster.

Ever since the commencement of his NBA career 4 years ago, Hornets star LaMelo Ball has yet to receive an opportunity to play alongside a fellow All-Star player. The closest he got to such a scenario was when playing alongside small forward Gordon Hayward, who unfortunately hasn’t been named to an All-Star team since 2017. Zach LaVine, on the other hand, was bestowed the honor back in 2021 and 2022. Therefore, bringing the shooting guard to the Hornets would finally fulfill LaMelo Ball’s prayers.

Another player who would be more than glad to have LaVine on his roster is shooting guard Seth Curry. He recently highlighted his belief that LaMelo Ball could be on the same level as Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards by stating “(If you) put the right team around LaMelo, he can be the best player on a great team”.

‘Pippen ain’t easy’ reporter voices his support for a potential Zach LaVine-Charlotte Hornets partnership

The scenario involving Zach LaVine heading to the Charlotte Hornets has been contemplated for quite some time now. Back in May, ‘Pippen Ain’t Easy’ reporter Aaron Kellerstrass put out a list of six teams that would be willing to engage in a trade for the player. The Chicago Bulls were reportedly quite active in looking for another home for LaVine before the February trade deadline. Unfortunately, the injuries that he developed during the regular season did not make him quite an appealing choice. Now, the situation has changed.

When highlighting his reasoning for Zach LaVine to go to Charlotte Hornets, Kellerstrass stated “They (Hornets) have moveable contracts in Davis Bertans and Grant Williams and a potential salary slot for LaVine depending on what they do with Miles Bridges”. In a scenario where LaVine is considered as a potential trade candidate, the Hornets may have to let go of players like Miles Bridges, an action that can free up over $31 million in cap space. The journalist further stated that the Hornets “need to do something to excite fans who have nine toes out the door”. One of those things is partnering LaVine with the likes of LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.

Do you think that Zach LaVine will be a good addition to the Charlotte Hornets roster? Let us know in the comments down below.

Before leaving, be sure to check out some insights that Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, shared about the Lakers legend’s infamous feud with the late Kobe Bryant.