Rumors: Dallas Mavericks interested in acquiring Zach LaVine

The Dallas Mavericks are battling the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference Finals, but that has not stopped the rumors from leaking out. It will be a busy summer for Dallas as they look to re-sign Jalen Brunson and continue improving their roster around Luka Doncic, which means more rumors are on the way.

Executives gathered this week in Chicago for the draft combine, and there was plenty of league-wide chatter from what the Orlando Magic will do with the number one overall pick to what is happening on the free-agent market this summer. Zach LaVine was once a lock to stay with the Bulls, but it appears things have changed.

The Mavericks were one of four teams paired with LaVine at the combine, according to NBC Sport’s K.C. Johnson. The rumor also named the Lakers, Trail Blazers, and Hawks as teams interested in the All-Star guard this summer.

Rumors: Dallas Mavericks interested in acquiring Zach LaVine

LaVine is a free agent this summer, but Dallas will not have the cap space to sign him outright. The Mavericks will likely be over the luxury tax as Luka Doncic’s supermax extension kicks in. The team’s path to acquiring LaVine would be a sign-and-trade.

Dallas is searching for a second star to pair with Luka. LaVine is a two-time All-Star that is fresh off four straight seasons of scoring over 23 points per game. The 6’5 guard is an offensive force that would certainly get plenty of open looks playing off Doncic. The defense would be questionable, but it makes the Mavericks impossible to stop on the other end.

General manager and president of basketball operations Nico Harrison would have to make multiple moves to fit Zach LaVine onto the Mavericks’ books and build a title contender for next season, but fans should expect the rumors about Dallas acquiring a second star to keep coming. The Mavs know that is the quickest path to building a championship team around Luka Doncic, so they will keep hunting for another marquee talent.