Every good NBA team needs a playmaker. For a long time, it was assumed that a point guard would provide it. That assumption is no longer safe. In today’s league, teams can get playmaking from any position on the floor.
Few players have been as significant to that development as LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers. He’s the archetypical point forward. James has the size of a forward, but he’s one of the best passers in NBA history. That versatile skillset has allowed him to have one of the most successful NBA careers that we’ve ever seen.
DeMar DeRozan of the Chicago Bulls is a solid playmaker in his own right. Is he a primary playmaker? That’s a different question. It’s fair to say that DeRozan doesn’t have James’ gift for setting up teammates. With that in mind, the Bulls could use a point guard. Could they acquire D’Angelo Russell of the Lakers?
The Trade Proposal
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G/F Alex Caruso, G Jevon Carter, C Andre Drummond
Chicago Bulls Receive: G D’Angelo Russell, 2024 Second-Round Pick (LAC), 2025 Second-Round Pick (LAC via LAL), 2027 Second-Round Pick (LAL)
We’ll reiterate: every good NBA team needs a playmaker. Unfortunately, the Bulls were not a good NBA team last year. As a matter of fact, this team was in the lottery – and they didn’t even have a pick to show it. As a result of a previous deal, the Bulls sent the 11th overall pick to the Orlando Magic.
What happened? The Bulls had plenty of veteran talent. Nobody expected this team to compete for an NBA title, but between DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Nikola Vucevic, they surely expected to make a playoff run. It didn’t happen. Meanwhile, it’s hard to say exactly why not.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: D’Angelo Russell, Los Angeles Lakers & Chicago Bulls Updates
Did the Bulls have bad chemistry? Could it be that these three stars are too ball-dominant to play together? We’re not entirely sure. With that in mind, a lot of people are expecting the Bulls to blow up their roster this summer. Should they really make a move for Russell instead?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
Frankly, we don’t think so. The Bulls should probably rebuild. With that said, that doesn’t seem to be in the cards for this team. We’re deep into the offseason, and the Bulls haven’t moved LaVine, DeRozan or Vucevic yet. At this point, we’re assuming that Chicago wants to stay competitive.
Meanwhile, it’s fair to ask what this team would look like if Lonzo Ball was healthy. The Bulls do need a point guard. Russell can replicate some of Ball’s production. He’s not nearly the same defender or shooter, but he’s a comparable passer. Russell can stir the drink in a way that ought to benefit all of the star talent on this roster.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: D’Angelo Russell, Los Angeles Lakers & Chicago Bulls Updates
With that said, suppose the Bulls do decide to rebuild. Now, they’ve got three new second-round picks to work with. They’ll also have plenty of quality players on long-term deals to move. If Chicago refuses to blow up their roster, this deal could be their next best move. Should the Lakers make it?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
This deal wouldn’t be legal at this moment. The Lakers just extended Russell, so he’s subject to trade restrictions at the moment. If the Lakers are rolling leading up to the deadline, they may want to hang onto him.
They’ll also want to monitor James. He’s nearing the end of his career. If he’s not capable of shouldering a large enough playmaking load, they’ll need to hang onto Russell. On the other hand, if James continues to defy Father Time, this deal could suit the Lakers. They’re flipping one rotation player for three and significantly improving their depth.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: D’Angelo Russell, Los Angeles Lakers & Chicago Bulls Updates
The return is highlighted by Caruso. He’s one of the best defensive guards in the NBA – the Lakers should be happy to reunite with him. All told, this deal could make the Lakers a better team – as long as James is willing to shoulder a lot of playmaking duties.
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