The <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-top-3-possible-targets-for-celtics-to-bolster-roster-20230531-SPD-3666.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boston Celtics</a> were the most heavily favored Eastern Conference team to go to the NBA Finals. But against the No. 8 seed Miami Heat, they were unable to pull off the upset.



Despite Jayson Tatum’s best efforts, his team lost. Some people think it’s time to split up Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart since neither has played up to expectations.



Obviously, it would only occur if they were able to acquire a player with All-Star potential. Even though there may not be many of them, we’ll examine three viable targets they might go for.



<h2>3. Karl-Anthony Towns</h2>



<a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-top-3-most-likely-destinations-for-jaylen-brown-in-case-of-celtics-exit-20230526-SPD-3657.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Karl-Anthony Towns</a> was out for a significant chunk of the season. The Minnesota Timberwolves undertook a risky experiment by putting him on the court alongside Rudy Gobert.



They haven’t been successful so far, and it doesn’t seem like they ever will. Due to their size disadvantage, the Celtics might benefit greatly from adding a shooter.



<h2>2. Damian Lillard</h2>



Many experts believe the Portland Trail Blazers will completely overhaul the team and trade All-Star point guard Damian Lillard or the No. 3 overall selection in order to build around Lillard. A third possibility is moving on from Lillard and starting over.



Keeping Jaylen Brown as their franchise player while trading away their aging star is a viable option for the Blazers.



<h2>1. Zach LaVine</h2>



The Chicago Bulls apparently worry that Lonzo Ball may never play professionally again. Marcus Smart is the ideal point guard and tough defender they’ve been looking for. They would have to use some fillers and draft choices, but they could accomplish it.



With Zach LaVine’s rocky relationship with Billy Donovan and the team’s lackluster core, the Bulls may be better off starting over. LaVine has been in a virtual dead heat with other groups throughout the course of the previous two seasons.

NBA: Top 3 possible All-Star targets for Celtics for next season - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA: Top 3 possible All-Star targets for Celtics for next season

miniaturas

Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report believes that <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-mavericks-to-trade-for-zach-lavine-and-pair-him-up-with-luka-doncic-1116-20220528-SPD-1116.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zach LaVine</a> will most likely re-sign with the <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-trade-rumors-bulls-turn-attention-to-matisse-thybulle-of-76ers-956-20220521-SPD-956.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chicago Bulls</a>, despite speculations that he wants to speak to other clubs in free agency. A new five-year contract for an estimated $200 million is set to be signed by LaVine, says Fischer.



He also points out that the only big issue that has to be resolved is how the last year of the contract will be handled. Alternatively, LaVine might be given the choice of whether or not he wants to participate in the deal.



As predicted, LaVine is likely to be contacted by the Trail Blazers, Spurs, Hawks, and Lakers. However, Fischer does not feel any club will be able to provide him with a better environment than he currently has in Chicago. 



<h2>Zach LaVine to remain in Chicago for five more years</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Two-time All-Star Zach LaVine is expected to re-sign with the Chicago Bulls once the free-agency negotiation period opens June 30, sources told B/R. LaVine’s free agency has generated plenty of conversation among NBA personnel over the past few weeks. “But despite rumblings that the Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs, Atlanta Hawks and Los Angeles Lakers will make plays for LaVine, the coveted swingman is likely to remain with his current team. “Ironing out LaVine’s next deal appears centered on the fifth year of the contract. LaVine is eligible for a five-year deal totaling roughly $200 million. Whether that season is fully guaranteed, is a player option or nets other potential outcomes remains to be seen.”<cite>Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report</cite></blockquote>

NBA Rumors: Strong possibility for Zach LaVine to re-sign with Bulls - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA Rumors: Strong possibility for Zach LaVine to re-sign with Bulls

All-Star point guard <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/which-is-the-most-valuable-nba-team-176-20220503-SPD-176.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zach LaVine</a> is reportedly being courted by the <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-attendance-history-what-is-the-highest-attended-game-of-all-time-141-20220502-SPD-141.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dallas Mavericks</a>, who are interested in teaming him with Slovenian center <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/2022-nba-playoffs-luka-doncic-waxes-lyrical-on-warriors-draymond-green-898-20220519-SPD-898.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luka Doncic</a> to form an NBA-leading backcourt.



After being acquired by the Chicago Bulls in a draft-night trade in 2017, Zach LaVine has played five seasons in Chicago before becoming an unrestricted free agency.



LaVine has made two All-Star teams and has become one of the league’s most efficient high-volume scorers in that time.



<h2>Doncic and LaVine to play together next season?</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Trading for [a second star-level] player is the Mavericks’ only expected route to do so this offseason, with no cap flexibility in the near future and a determination to re-sign guard Jalen Brunson that will cement Dallas’ status as a luxury-tax team for the first time since the title run.“Sources nonetheless maintain that one option already being weighed by team brass is the prospect of joining the sign-and-trade bidding for the Chicago Bulls’ Zach LaVine.”<cite>NBA insider Marc Stein</cite></blockquote>

Zach LaVine

NBA: Top 3 possible All-Star targets for Celtics for next season

NBA Rumors: Strong possibility for Zach LaVine to re-sign with Bulls

NBA Rumors: Mavericks to trade for Zach LaVine and pair him up with Luka Doncic

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