The Chicago Bulls could be in trouble entering the 2023-24 NBA season. The core of Nikola Vucevic, Zach LaVine, and DeMar DeRozan hasn’t necessarily panned out as thought. Now, amid the rumors that the Bulls could trade LaVine, we look at three trade destinations to monitor for the shooting guard.
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers and guard Damian Lillard have not found a way to get him to the Heat. It seems like talks have stalled because of what Portland would get in return. For LaVine, this would be a great opportunity to step away from the frustrations in Chicago.
Although Lillard does not want to play for another team other than the heat, the Bulls could be a team to consider. They have been eyeing the point guard amid the trade request. That could be an interesting swap, where the Bulls receive Lillard and the Blazers can get LaVine.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
However, that might not be the best destination for LaVine. Although an intriguing option, the Blazers already have young guys on the roster they want to build around. It doesn’t hurt for them to go after LaVine who’s been an All-Star in two of the last three seasons, but they would have to consider how it impacts their team’s direction.
Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards lost their long time shooting guard Bradley Beal to the Suns. They also gave up Porzingis to the Celtics. Although they retained Kyle Kuzma and gained Jordan Poole, they can use another star player on the team. That is why Washington should be a team to monitor and could be a surprise to go after LaVine.
The trade would need to make sense for the Bulls to entertain the idea. However, the Wizards do have some players they can give up. Considering that Chicago would look to get some guard play in return, they can receive Landry Shamet, Delon Wright, and Danilo Gallinari. Additionally, they can get unproven draft pick Bilal Coulibaly.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls & Washington Wizards Updates
Although it could be hard to believe the Wizards would give up their 2023 draft pick, it is not far fetched. LaVine is a proven star in the league and can make an impact immediately. He averaged 25 points per game last season on 49% field goal shooting, which is incredibly efficient. He also shot the three at 38%. Clearly the best player for the Bulls last year, he would not be a bad pickup for the Wizards, who are desperately trying to recover from losing Beal.
Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors could be a dark horse team in the stakes for LaVine. They have struggled to get a wing player that is a slasher and scorer. Although they have OG Anunoby, he is more of a defender than a reliable scorer.
The trade would definitely need to include Anunoby among other players. Ideally, the Raptors could also ship seldom used Malachi Flynn and add in power forward Chris Boucher. That would make the trade interesting enough for the Bulls to consider. They get back a great defender and some back up guard play as well.
Whether LaVine wants to land in Toronto would be the bigger issue. The Raptors could definitely find a way to make it work but it would need to be a perfect scenario for the Bulls as well.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls & Toronto Raptors Updates
The Raptors franchise is looking to get back to being contenders since their 2019 championship. They got a new coach and a great pick in Gradey Dick along with former rookie of the year Scottie Barnes. The team could look even more dangerous with star player LaVine.
LaVine is definitely a prospect most teams are keeping an eye out for. He could definitely be an asset for the above three teams mentioned. What keeps teams away is the massive contract he is owed. He is set to make $40 million the upcoming season and even more each year after that until free agency in 2027. Nonetheless, Vucevic has already expressed this could be the last year for the Bulls core, but it can even be sooner than that they can get broken up.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
