76ers acquire Zach LaVine from the Bulls in this mega trade proposal

Why the 76ers shouldn’t look at LaVine as the answer

No offense to Zach LaVine, but the very process of determining where he can be shoehorned into the equation for the 76ers is actually an arduous one. In truth, Philadelphia has no pressing need for what he brings to the table. While the team remains far from a perfect product, their actual needs cannot directly be sourced from the two-time All-Star.

If the 76ers were to shore up their assets to make a big splash, it should be for a player who fills obvious gaps on the roster while increasing their floor and ceiling as a team. And considering that LaVine is not a primary table-setter, nor a rangy do-it-all forward, he’s simply not worth consolidating a lot of usable assets for. Philadelphia would be unwise to gamble their replenished assets just for a shiny wager.

To add to the argument that trading for him would be pretty skin-deep, the 76ers would have to be infatuated with the idea of fully committing to him for the near future while dealing with immediate pains to even be enthused about acquiring him. And as if three future first-rounders isn’t a lofty price to pay, the team would also have to part with well-fitting veterans who have suddenly become important to the team, at least this season.

Batum has already shown that he’s the perfect utility player for Nick Nurse’s system. Morris Sr. and Covington are no untouchables, but are no slouches either with the flexibility they offer in the forward positions. There’s little sense for Philly to liquidate three players playing a position in need in addition to handsome draft capital for a player who, while brilliant n his own right, offers no direct benefit to the 76ers. This rings even truer in account of the anticipated galore the franchise can commence in next year’s free agency, where they will have full control of their destiny.

Ultimately, this trade asks for too much from the 76ers to the point where the cost far exceeds the benefit. Philadelphia, at this asking price, should look elsewhere or stand pat for the meantime until a better-fitting star becomes available.

Grade: C