The Golden State Warriors have built an NBA dynasty. They’ve been the defining team of their generation. Is their run coming to an end?
It feels possible. The Warriors are aging. They’re also getting expensive. This team may be unable to pay what it would cost to keep this roster together for much longer.
Presumably, that’s why they’re struggling to agree on an extension with Klay Thompson. The Warriors are clutching their purses, and justifiably so.
What should they do? It’s hard to say with any confidence. The Warriors could try to move Thompson for a significant expiring deal (and ideally, some assets) and be fiscally responsible.
On the other hand, they could have some fun and try to make one more title run as well. Could they go that route by acquiring Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls?
NBA Trade Proposal — Golden State Warriors Land Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls Receive: G/F Klay Thompson, F Jonathan Kuminga, 2026 First-Round Pick (GSW)
Golden State Warriors Receive: G/F Zach LaVine, G/F Alex Caruso
At one time, the Bulls were the defining team of a generation. If you are even familiar with NBA history, you know what we’re talking about. During the 1990s, Michael Jordan led this team to a dominant run.
Will we ever see such a run again? It feels unlikely. In the modern league, there’s more parity. Star players jump teams more quickly than ever before. As a result, it’s harder to establish a dynasty. There’s always another superteam around the corner.
LATEST NBA TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Golden State Warriors Updates
With that in mind, give the Warriors a lot of credit. This team wasn’t as dominant as the Bulls were in their heyday, but by modern standards, they were impressive.
Does acquiring LaVine help them prolong their run?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
There have been a lot of ingredients in the Warriors’ dynasty. Steph Curry’s generational shooting prowess makes him a one-man offensive system. Draymond Green’s rare blend of elite defense and solid playmaking has made him the ultimate utility player.
Kevin Durant was Kevin Durant. With that said, the Warriors haven’t rostered a downhill, attacking guard during their entire dynasty. Why not start now? How would opponents guard LaVine when they’ve got to check Curry?
That inside/outside dynamic ought to be lethal. If the Warriors want to make another serious title run, adding LaVine ought to help them do precisely that. On the other hand, he’s not the only key player they’re adding here. Caruso may be the best defensive guard in the NBA.
LATEST NBA TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Golden State Warriors Updates
This deal may force the aging Chris Paul out of this team’s rotation, but that’s a cost worth paying. Adding LaVine and Caruso could make them title favorites.
Should the Bulls help the Warriors get another ring?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
One thing is nearly sure: the Bulls won’t be in the title picture this year. They missed the playoffs in 2022-23 and did little to improve their roster. Therefore, plenty of fans expect them to blow up their core.
This would be a good start. Sure, the Bulls could get more draft capital for LaVine elsewhere, but they wouldn’t get a high-upside player like Kuminga. If he hits his ceiling, he could be exactly the type of two-way wing teams covet.
Kuminga could be the Bulls’ next franchise player – and in all likelihood, they’ll add more candidates for that job via the draft. Finally, the Bulls clear their books by making this deal. Thompson is a huge expiring contract.
LATEST NBA TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Golden State Warriors Updates
Having him around as a veteran mentor with championship experience won’t hurt, but realistically, this deal is about Kuminga for the Bulls. If he hits his ceiling, he could help them build a dominant force in years to come.
