Los Angeles Lakers Receive: C Nikola Vucevic, F Troy Brown Jr.
Chicago Bulls Receive: C/F Anthony Davis
For this deal to transpire, we’ll have to assume that the Chicago Bulls are not satisfied with their performance in the 2021-22 playoffs. That already feels like a distinct possibility.
After all, the team finished this season with a pitiful 2-20 record against teams with winning records. That doesn’t bode well for their postseason potential.
One possible explanation is that this Bulls roster is constructed too dependently on offensive-minded players. Their 114.55 Defensive Rating lands 23rd in the league, but it may struggle more thoroughly against higher-level teams.
Anthony Davis, if healthy, can help in that regard. In particular, he’s a much stronger rim protector than Vucevic. The Chicago Bulls will sacrifice some spacing on the offensive end, but if they fall short this season, they may determine that it’s a sacrifice worth making.
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As for the Los Angeles Lakers, the improved spacing they’ll get with Vooch may even allow them to continue forward with Russell Westbrook. The relationship looks strained currently, but it may prove next to impossible to move Westbrook without attaching sweeteners.
This deal sees them swapping Davis’ deal, which has three years remaining on it, for two expiring contracts. Given that Westbrook’s pact expires after this year as well, this trade allows the Lakers to aggressively attack 2023 free agency.
It’s a long shot, but, it’s a course of action both teams may want to consider.
