Top 3 landing spots for Zach LaVine at the trade deadline

Landing Spot #2: Lost in New York

Is it too late after Christmas for a Home Alone 2 reference? Well, no matter. The New York Knicks have perennially been searching for a star, and while LaVine is not a top 20 player in the league, he’s about as close as the team can get at this moment.

The Knicks’ failed offseason pursuit of Donovan Mitchell surely left a sour taste in their collective mouth, especially after Mitchell’s recent 71-point outburst. Pivoting to another top-flight offensive weapon could absolutely be on the table.

Unlike the Lakers and Mavericks, the Knicks are a bit more flush with draft capital as they currently hold four first-round picks this season (though only two will realistically convey this season) and seven over the next three seasons.

In addition to their draft assets, the Knicks have young players like Immanuel Quickly and Obi Toppin, who could provide some additional incentive for the Bulls to strike a deal. They also have the matching salaries of Evan Fournier and Derrick Rose to help facilitate a deal.

As for LaVine’s potential desire, he would be heading to a big market, likely given the offensive keys to the city, and would still have a legitimate shot at the playoffs this season. The only remaining question would be his comfortability reuniting with his former Head Coach and President of Basketball Operations, Tom Thibodeau. As LaVine himself described the relationship, he and Thibodeau are “cool,” and there appears to be no animosity, leaving New York wide open as a potential landing spot.