Charlotte Hornets Receive: G Zach LaVine, F Thaddeus Young, C Luke Kornet
Chicago Bulls Receive: G Terry Rozier, F Miles Bridges, G Malik Monk, C Cody Zeller, CHA 2021 1st Round Pick (Top 5 Protected)
As far as blockbuster trades go, this would definitely shake things up in the Eastern Conference. Both the Hornets and the Bulls are two teams fighting for some of the last playoff spots in the Eastern Conference this season, a conference that is very wide open in terms of playoff potential.
Outside of the 76ers, Bucks and Nets, the other 5 playoff spots in this conference are very much up for grabs as 8 teams are all within 3 games or less of each other. The second-half of the season will be vital for each team to prove their playoff worth, which is why teams could look to target the first-year All-Star guard in LaVine.
After having a breakout career year last season, Zach LaVine has continued to improve as an all-around offensive weapon and is currently 7th in the league in scoring. At just 25-years old, LaVine is slowly becoming a superstar in this league and one of the best pure scorers in the league today.
Thaddeus Young is also having a career year, but for different reasons. Young is in his second season with the Bulls and he has thrived in his “Sixth-Man” role with them. With Lauri Markkanen and Otto Porter Jr. missing time this season, Young has emerged as one of the better bench players in the entire league because of his “do-it-all” mindset.
He is currently averaging 11.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists and is shooting 60% from the floor in 29 games off-the-bench this season for the Bulls. As a result of his astounding bench play this season, Young has become a key trade target for many playoff contenders around the league, hence why he is included in this deal with LaVine to Charlotte.
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On the Hornets side of things, Terry Rozier was expected to be the “odd-man-out” this year in Charlotte with the arrival of LaMelo Ball and Devonte’ graham coming off a breakout season, but this season has been quite the opposite for Rozier. He is having a career-year, averaging 20.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and shooting 43.6% from three-point range.
“Scary Terry” has been one of the most underrated scorers in the league this season and with his value at an all-time high, the Hornets could potentially look to trade him for an All-Star caliber talent like Zach LaVine. Bridges, Monk and Zeller have also been key role players for the Hornets that have helped elevate them into the discussion for the playoffs.
The only question that remains about this trade scenario is if it makes sense for both teams? Could the Hornets and Bulls potentially pull off this blockbuster trade at this year’s trade deadline? Let’s take a closer look at how this trade breakdowns for each team and if it is worth it for them to make.
