It’s been said that only fools rush in. It’s also been said that the early bird gets the worm. Every team in the NBA needs to decide which of those philosophies they ascribe to. When an NBA team is rebuilding, they need to choose the right moment to try to transition into winning basketball.
Typically, that happens when they show signs of life. When a team starts being competitive with the group they’ve drafted, they may seek to make a major trade. In all likelihood, they’re a piece away from real competition. The big trade will be in pursuit of that piece.
On the other hand, teams can try to expedite the process. A team may opt to make a major move even before they start looking competitive. When a team has been bad for some time, that’s especially true. Take the Detroit Pistons. This team’s fanbase is starved for some success. Could the Pistons be hungry enough to trade for Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls?
The Trade Proposal
Chicago Bulls Receive: G/F Joe Harris, C James Wiseman, G Killian Hayes, 2024 First-Round Pick (DET), 2026 First-Round Pick (DET), 2027 First-Round Pick (Swap – DET)
Detroit Pistons Receive: G/F Zach LaVine
With that said, some teams try to avoid the rebuilding cycle altogether. For them, there is no critical juncture in which to begin rebuilding. Rebuilding isn’t an option: they’re trying to stay competitive at all costs.
Think about it. When was the last time that the Chicago Bulls were rebuilding? The Derrick Rose era fell flat. The Bulls pivoted to building around Jimmy Butler. Butler wanted out, so they started building around LaVine. The Bulls have never tried to execute a long-term plan – they just keep pivoting.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls & Detroit Pistons Updates
How has that worked out for them? It’s been a mixed bag. The Bulls consistently field competitive (ish) teams, but they’re never in the running for the NBA title. This season, they fell especially short of that mark. Should they trade LaVine as a result?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
Yes. Frankly, we think it’s high time for the Bulls to rebuild. Their current group has a very low ceiling, and its floor isn’t especially high either. The Bulls need a change of direction. The only question is whether this is the right one.
We think it is. The Bulls are landing some young players with upside here. Wiseman started to turn a corner after landing in Detroit. Hayes has been inconsistent, but he’s a fantastic passer and a solid defender. This deal has the Bulls bringing in an injection of young talent.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls & Detroit Pistons Updates
It’s also got them acquiring an expiring contract in Harris. Still, the draft capital is what’s most important here. Volume scorers like LaVine have lost some shine in today’s NBA – two first-round picks and a swap feels like market value. Should the Pistons pay market value for LaVine?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
Some Pistons fans will be confused here. This team has plenty of young guard talent. With Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey and Ausar Thompson on the roster, where will LaVine fit?
Something will likely have to give. With that said, the Pistons can experiment. They should try Ivey as a sixth man, and try smaller lineups with LaVine at the 3. In the end, they can figure out what works best and make another trade down the line. For Detroit, this is about getting a proven contributor through the door.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls & Detroit Pistons Updates
After all, LaVine is a proven contributor. His fit alongside Cunningham feels snug. LaVine is a born scorer, and Cunningham is a natural distributor. That dynamic alone could carry the Pistons quite far. By now, they must be itching to make some progress.
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