After breaking up a team led by NBA starpower with names like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving — with a short stint including James Harden — the Brooklyn Nets are in a transitional period. Mikal Bridges is the new face of the franchise, but more firepower could be required to compete.
Bridges showed signs of being capable of should a big role offensively, but he needs another threat that can score at a high volume on a consistent basis. With another perimeter threat to shoulder some of the load, defenses would have a harder time solving for Bridges.
A talent that stands out as a particularly intriguing option is Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls. He could be among the more attainable stars to reach the open market in the relative near future. What could a trade look like if one was to occur?
The Trade Proposal
Chicago Bulls Receive: F/C Ben Simmons, 2025 First-Round Pick (PHX via BKN), 2027 First-Round Pick (PHI via BKN), 2029 First-Round Pick (DAL via BKN), 2030 First-Round Pick (Swap – BKN)
Brooklyn Nets Receive: G/F Zach LaVine
In fact, the Nets only gained that flexibility recently. Just a short time ago, they weren’t so flexible. When the Nets had Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving on the roster, they didn’t have a lot of wiggle room. This team was bereft of assets or players they could afford to trade.
At the same time, they had the most talented trio in the NBA. All of this raises a question: is flexibility really so important?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Brooklyn Nets& Chicago Bulls Updates
It depends on your situation. If you’ve got no need to change, you don’t need to be flexible. A contending team ought to stay the course. With that said, the Nets are not contenders: their flexibility is a blessing. Is this the right way to use it?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
Well, the Nets could have all the flexibility in the world. With this current roster, they won’t be as competitive as they’d like.
That’s a problem for Brooklyn. They’ve got flexibility in terms of having a surplus of draft capital to move. On the other hand, when it comes to competing next season, they’ve got no margin for error.
After all, they’ll be sending their first-round pick to the Houston Rockets in 2024, Meanwhile, the Nets don’t have an offensive focal point to carry this team to wins. Mikal Bridges is more of an elite second option.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Brooklyn Nets& Chicago Bulls Updates
He’d be perfect next to LaVine. This is a guard who can create his own offense in half-court sets. That’s exactly the type of player that the Nets need. Should the Bulls give him up?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
Meanwhile, the Bulls have minimal flexibility in their own right. That’s why this team sent the Orlando Magic the 11th pick in the most recent NBA draft. In other words, they lived the exact nightmare that the Nets are trying to avoid next season.
Here, the Bulls regain their flexibility. They’re receiving three first-round picks and a swap. With that haul, the Bulls can afford to finally rebuild.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Brooklyn Nets& Chicago Bulls Updates
Are they taking on Simmons’ contract? Sure. That’s not ideal. With that said, if they take a longer view of their situation, they can simply let that contract run out while they retool. If they make this deal, they’ll have the flexibility to do it.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
