Insider names two-time All-Star as player who could put Warriors in a 'different atmosphere'

Chicago Bulls shooting guard Zach LaVine has been dodging trade rumors for multiple seasons now as he gets ready for his eighth season in the Windy City.

ESPN senior NBA writer Marc J. Spears said on Tuesday that the 29-year-old could be a perfect fit with the Golden State Warriors.

This isn't the first time that LaVine has been connected to the Dubs. In early July, NBC Sports Chicago insider K.C. Johnson said on the " Bulls Talk" Podcast that the Warriors and Sacramento Kings were " still having conversations " with the Bulls about a possible trade for LaVine.

Less than one week later, Golden State said goodbye to five-time All-Star shooting guard Klay Thompson in a monster six-team trade that landed them sharpshooter Buddy Hield. If the Warriors would prefer to have Hield come off the bench during the upcoming season, targeting LaVine could make sense. Hield has started 412 of his 632 career games, including 42 of his 84 contests last season.

One possible piece that Golden State could dangle in trade talks is 21-year-old shooting guard Brandin Podziemski.

The lefty was selected as the 19th overall pick in 2023, and he surpassed expectations last season, earning first-team All-Rookie honors. Podziemski finished the campaign second on the team in rebounds (5.8) per game across 74 contests (28 starts) and averaged 9.2 points, 3.7 assists and 26.6 minutes.

It was reported in early August that the Warriors made the Utah Jazz the "most aggressive offer" for forward Lauri Markkanen before the one-time All-Star re-signed in Salt Lake City. It was further revealed that Golden State was unwilling to part with Podziemski in a potential deal with the Jazz.

LaVine made back-to-back All-Star teams with the Bulls from 2020-2022, putting up his best numbers during the 2020-2021 campaign. He posted career highs in points (27.4) and assists (4.9) that season with his best field goal (.507) and three-point percentage (.419) as well.

LaVine was limited to 25 games during the 2023-2024 campaign and didn't play after Jan. 18 after undergoing surgery on his right foot.