In the same week that multiple reports suggested a Zach LaVine trade remains unlikely, one team has reportedly emerged as a legitimate suitor.

According to Troy Jones and Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Denver Nuggets have taken a close look at the Chicago Bulls’ two-time All-Star. LaVine has reportedly become a key part of their recent talks as they look to strengthen their core around superstar Nikola Jokic.

Here’s what the two reporters said:

“As a result, the Nuggets have either expressed interest in or have had preliminary trade discussions regarding the following players: Chicago’s Zach Lavine, Washington’s Jordan Poole, Utah’s Jordan Clarkson, Atlanta’s De’Andre Hunter, Brooklyn’s Cam Johnson and Washington’s Jonas Valančiūnas .

According to league sources, much of the focus in recent discussions has been on LaVine as the Nuggets are interested in the 29-year-old, who is averaging 21.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists this season. LaVine, a two-time All-Star, is owed $43 million this season, $45.9 million next season and has a player option worth $48.9 million for the 2026-27 season.“

I encourage you to read The Athletic’s full article here for full context.

Could Denver make a move for Zach LaVine?

First things first: This is not your average trade rumor. The Athletic not only states that Denver has LaVine on a list of possible trade targets, but rather shares that he is at the top of their list. The fact that they go far enough to say that LaVine’s name was a “significant” part of their recent discussions is…well…significant!

Does this mean that a trade is suddenly on the horizon? No, especially considering they named a slew of other players that Denver has expressed interest in. However, this is undoubtedly the strongest connection we’ve seen between LaVine and a single team this season. It’s also a reminder of how quickly things can change in the NBA. It only takes two to tango, and maybe the Bulls will find their partner.

If one thing is certain, LaVine would make perfect sense next to an elite distribution partner like Nikola Jokic. Not only does he continue to be one of the most explosive off-ball athletes in the NBA, but he also shoots a top rate of 42.8 percent from downtown at high volume (7.5 3PAs per game). Of course, LaVine can provide plenty of offense off the dribble, too, which Jones and Amick say is a special skill the organization is looking to add. The team relies too heavily on the shot creation of Jokic and Jamal Murray.

Given the way LaVine is playing early this season, there are likely fewer concerns about his ability to compete alongside other star players. He recorded his second-lowest usage rate since the 2017-18 season, but still averaged 21.1 points on 50.1 percent shooting from the field.

Again, none of this means a trade will be done anytime soon, but the Nuggets should have what it takes to seal the deal. Michael Porter Jr. is named by The Athletic as a likely trade partner in any deal. The jumbo winger is owed $35.8 million this season and $79.1 million over the next two seasons. All in all, this may be more long-term salary than the Bulls want to accept, but Porter Jr. could also be a better player than anyone they could get in a LaVine deal.

The 26-year-old’s injury concerns are very real as he has only played more than 62 games in a season once in his career. But the 1.80 meter tall small forward is still one of the best long-range opponents in the NBA. Porter Jr. has shot 40.8 percent from downtown and 50.0 percent from the field over his career. He’s off to another strong start this season, posting career averages of 18.5 points and 7.1 rebounds per game on 38.5 shots from behind the arc. The Bulls could certainly add worse players to their youth movement! At the same time, I think we can’t rule out them bringing in a third team and prioritizing a clean cap and draft capital!

Anyway, we now have a pretty important connection to keep an eye on as the deadline approaches! Let’s also not forget that this is the old home of Arturas Karnisovas. He previously worked closely with current Nuggets GM Calvin Booth, a relationship that could certainly prove useful in further discussions.