The NBA season is almost here. We can’t wait – you probably can’t either. By now, we’ve got an idea of where most teams stand. With that said, there are some exceptions to that rule. One of those exceptions is the Chicago Bulls.
Where is this team going? Are the Bulls rebuilding, or do they intend to stay the course? This was a wildly disappointing team in 2022-23. Plenty of fans are calling for the Bulls to rebuild. This organization does not appear intent on doing so, but if they’re disappointing again in 2023-24, that could change.
By contrast, we know what the Los Angeles Lakers are trying to do. They want to compete for the NBA championship. At this point, the Lakers are likely to head into the season with the roster that they currently have. With that said, if they need a talent boost, they could make a trade midway through the season. Could they trade for the Bulls’ Zach LaVine?
The Trade Proposal
Chicago Bulls Receive: G D’Angelo Russell, F Rui Hachimura, 2028 First-Round Pick (Swap – LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G/F Zach LaVine
Of course, the league’s landscape wasn’t so solidified until recently. Damian Lillard’s trade request loomed over the entire Association. Now, that situation is resolved. Is the league stable as a result?
Hardly. The Portland Trail Blazers acquired Jrue Holiday for their return for Lillard. Now, he’s on the trade market. James Harden has still requested a trade. We may have a solid idea of how the league will look next year, but it’s not concrete. Is it ever?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
No. The NBA is constantly in flux. It can change at the drop of a dime. We don’t even know which star players will demand trades as the season wears on. Even LaVine could issue a request. Should the Bulls trade him either way?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
This deal can’t transpire until closer to the deadline. The Lakers extended Russell this year, so he’s subject to trade restrictions. That’s fine. The Bulls may want to wait and see how they’re performing before they make this move. If they enjoy a comeback season, they’ll want to hang onto their presumptive leading scorer.
Let’s assume that they’re not. If the Bulls are on pace to miss the playoffs again, they should move LaVine. What should they want for him? Or, perhaps more importantly, what should they expect? The Blazers got Holiday, Deandre Ayton, a first-round pick, and two swaps for Lillard.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
With that in mind, Hachimura, a pick and a swap ought to work for LaVine. Moreover, the Bulls would be acquiring Russell in the same vain that the Blazers landed Holiday: they’d be looking to flip him for additional value down the road. Should the Lakers send so much out for LaVine?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
By contrast, the Lakers shouldn’t want to wait for this deal – they merely have to hold out. Unless they’re comfortably the best team in the NBA, they should like this deal. The Lakers are getting the best player in this trade – he’ll make them a better team.
The Lakers could use a shot-creating guard. Historically, those types of players have thrived alongside LeBron James. LaVine should be no exception. In fact, we’ve never seen James alongside such an athletic guard. This pair could be a nightmare for opponents in transition.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
He can also replace some of Russell’s secondary playmaking. Sure, this will be a different look for the Lakers’ offense – LaVine isn’t the passer that Russell is. He’s also a more impactful offensive player. For now, all we can do is wait and see how these teams perform – luckily, we won’t have to wait much longer.
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