Some NBA teams have just got to make a trade. Perhaps they’re coming off of a disappointing season. When a team has a surplus of veteran talent, that’s a problem. They should probably turn their attention to the future if their present is grim.
The Chicago Bulls are one such team. Their cap sheet is full of expensive contracts for veterans. Yet, the Bulls missed the playoffs last year. The Bulls don’t necessarily have to rebuild, but they ought to consider it. If nothing else, this team needs to make a change.
Do the New Orleans Pelicans need to make a change? They had a disappointing 2022-23 season as well. With that said, unlike the Bulls, they’ve got an excuse. The Pelicans had horrible injury luck. If they want to stay competitive, could they acquire Zach LaVine from the Bulls?
NBA Trade Proposal — New Orleans Pelicans Land Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls Receive: G CJ McCollum, G Kira Lewis Jr., 2024 First-Round Pick (LAL via NOP), 2025 First-Round Pick (MIL via NOP), 2026 First-Round Pick (Swap – NOP)
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: G/F Zach LaVine
Did the Pelicans have “bad injury luck” last season? That might be a generous description. Bad luck occurs when a player gets unexpectedly injured. By now, the Pelicans must be anticipating an injury to Zion Williamson. After all, everyone else is.
Yet, there are no easy solutions here. Sure, the Pelicans could give up on Williamson. What’s their direction, then? After all, Williamson is not some ordinary player. When healthy, he looks like one of basketball’s most unstoppable offensive forces.
Simply cutting ties with him and starting over won’t be easy. Players like Williamson don’t come around often. On the other hand, this is a player who’s managed about a season’s worth of games over his first four seasons.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Williamson’s unique physical build makes one question whether he’ll ever be able to take to an NBA floor consistently. Should the Pelicans add another star around him?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
Sure. Adding another offensive star could make life easier for Williamson. With him, LaVine, and Brandon Ingram on the roster, the Pelicans may be able to afford to rest Williamson on a more regular basis. That could prolong his health throughout an entire season.
Yet, that’s not what the Pelicans are thinking about here. They’re thinking about what happens when all three of their stars are on the floor. We think it would make for a nice fit. The Pelicans could use a third star who doubles as a floor spacer. LaVine fits the bill.
Are they paying a hefty price for him? Sure. At the same time, the Pelicans have a potential MVP candidate on their roster. If the Pelicans plan on keeping Williamson, they might as well plan for his health.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Adding a third star could give the Pelicans one of the league’s best offenses when everyone is ready to go. What does moving LaVine do for the Bulls?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
The Bulls do this deal to start over. Why shouldn’t they? LaVine is at an age where he’s not likely to improve much more. DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic are aging. This team isn’t heading anywhere special – it’s time for them to think about the future.
This deal helps them do that. Sure, they’re taking on McCollum’s contract, but that’s fine. In a couple of years, it won’t be difficult to move – and in the meantime, the Bulls will have space for it. Considering that, a pair of unprotected firsts and a future swap is likely market value for LaVine.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Still, none of those picks will have as much value as their own future picks. This deal allows the Bulls to start tanking. If they can move DeRozan and Vucevic in separate transactions, this deal could help nudge the Bulls toward the bottom of the standings. In the end, that might be exactly what they need.
