NBA Rumors: 3 Teams Are Odds-On Favorites To Steal Zach LaVine From Bulls

The Zach LaVine rumors have been running rampant the past couple of weeks, as the free agent All-Star faces a big decision this summer. While the Chicago Bulls feel confident they can re-sign him, oddsmakers have listed several teams as favorites to land LaVine, should he leave the Windy City.

1. San Antonio Spurs  2-1 odds

The Spurs have plenty of room under the cap, about $50M, and will be able to offer LaVine the max. They currently have only 8 players under contract for 2022-23, at a total of $70M.

With emerging star Dejounte Murray at the point, adding LaVine would be a huge boost for the young team on the rise.

2. Portland Trail Blazers  3-1 odds

Another team with substantial room under the cap, probably over $60M, they can also write a large check for LaVine. And of course, the goal is to add another huge star to pair with Damian Lillard — both to keep Dame happy, and to raise the team to a new competitive level.

3. Los Angeles Lakers  4-1 odds

This one is a little more difficult to envision, as the Lakers are well over the cap, and can not offer LaVine the contract he'll be looking for, outright. They'll need to execute a sign and trade, and maybe include a 3rd team to make it work. The Lakers' assets of Talen Horton-Tucker and Kendrick Nunn are unlikely to get it done.

LaVine, who averaged 24.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.5 assists this season with the Bulls, has already said he's going to play his free agency hand to the fullest. 

“I plan to enjoy free agency,” LaVine said after the Bulls were eliminated in this year's playoffs. “We're going to have to experience A through Z without making any fast decisions. I think that's something me and [agent Rich Paul] are going to go through and experience."

Photo Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports