Sometimes, it pays to be bold. Other times, it backfires. That’s true for NBA teams as well. Assembling a bold roster can give a team an edge. If it works out, it can lead to a lot of success. With that said a bold roster construction can backfire. Just ask the Toronto Raptors.
This team fielded a bold roster last year. The Raptors were stacked with playmaking wings. They leaned so hard into that identity that they neglected other aspects of the game. The Raptors suffered as a result – this team had a wildly disappointing 2022-23 season.
So did the Chicago Bulls. This team had a bold roster of a different ilk – the Bulls simply tried to stockpile high-quality offensive players. Unfortunately, they didn’t gel. Could they send Zach LaVine to the Raptors as a result?
The Trade Proposal
Chicago Bulls Receive: G/F Gary Trent Jr., F/C Chris Boucher, F/C Thaddeus Young, F/C Precious Achiuwa, 2026 First-Round Pick (TOR), 2028 First-Round Pick (TOR)
Toronto Raptors Receive: G/F Zach LaVine
With that said, every general manager in the NBA needs to have a vision. Whether that vision works out or not is a different question. Still, we should give GMs credit when they have a bold vision – whether it works out or not.
The Raptors were trying to revolutionize the game. To be sure, the league is trending towards big, playmaking wings. The Raptors correctly identified that. Unfortunately, they neglected half-court creation. The Raptors needed a self-creator who could pressure the rim. Without one, their product wasn’t revolutionary in the least. Still, give them credit for trying.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Zach LaVine. Chicago Bulls & Toronto Raptors Updates
The Bulls? They were likely just trying to win some basketball teams. There’s nothing especially novel about this team’s roster construction. With that said, there are plenty of flaws here. Does that deal help correct any of them?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
The Bulls are at a crossroads. This team needs to pick a direction. It feels like Chicago is likely to stay in win-now mode. That may be a regrettable choice. With that said, if the Bulls insist on staying competitive, this team could possibly help with that goal too.
After all, Trent Jr. is a better defender than LaVine. He may be a more complimentary player. Following this deal, the Bulls could try to build their offense around DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic. With Trent Jr. and Caruso in the rotation, this could be a case of addition by subtraction for the Bulls.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Zach LaVine. Chicago Bulls & Toronto Raptors Updates
At the same time – let’s be honest. It probably won’t be. That’s fine. If this deal doesn’t make Chicago better, they can move DeRozan and Vucevic. Then, they’d finally be properly rebuilding. This deal makes Chicago younger and lands them some draft capital. Should the Raptors help them achieve those goals?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
The Raptors had a disappointing season. Why? Did they lack the talent to compete? Or, is it possible that they simply needed a certain type of player to succeed? Here, the Raptors are making a bet on the key players that they already have.
We mentioned their need for half-court creation. The Raptors need a guard who can pressure the rim. LaVine checks all of those boxes. As talented as Fred VanVleet is, he’s a different type of player. VanVleet provides defense, playmaking, and floor spacing. He can’t get to the rack at will like Zach LaVine can.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Zach LaVine. Chicago Bulls & Toronto Raptors Updates
Meanwhile, Toronto would still have most of those playmaking wings left following this deal. Adding LaVine makes them a more complete team. The vision may be a little less bold, but if it works out, it should be a lot more successful.
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