When an NBA team is underperforming, there are always calls for them to rebuild. We can’t blame fans for being impatient. When a team is rebuilding, they’ve got hope for the future. On the other hand, when they’re stuck in the middle, they don’t have much.
Currently, the Toronto Raptors appear to be stuck in the middle. This team underperformed last year. So far, they’re doing the same in 2023-24.
Perhaps that’s why they’ve been at the center of trade rumors for so long. The Raptors need to blow it up – don’t they? That’s one option.
On the other hand, there’s a lot of talent on this team. The Raptors may be a piece away from being competitive. This team could use a guard who can create his own offense in half-court sets.
How about Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls?
NBA Trade Proposal — Toronto Raptors Land Zach LaVine
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
Each of these teams are a candidate to blow it up. It’s been that way for some time now. Fans thought the Raptors would trade key players at last season’s trade deadline. Meanwhile, they expected the same from the Bulls.
What happened? Well, broadly speaking, teams don’t want to be too quick to react. That’s how you overreact. It can take time for some groups to gel.
Moreover, rebuilding can be a painful process. Fans think they want it – but when they get it, it can feel hopeless. Sure. Teams don’t want to overreact. They don’t want to miss the boat, either.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors Updates
If the Raptors had traded Fred Vanvleet, they’d have gotten something in return. Instead, they let him join the Houston Rockets and left empty-handed.
Should they really make a win-now move after that loss?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
In all likelihood, LaVine will be better for this squad than VanVleet ever was. Think about it. VanVleet is a better playmaker and a better defender. He isn’t in LaVine’s league as a scorer.
Meanwhile, the Raptors get ample playmaking and defense from Scottie Barnes and Pascal Siakam. This team needs a bucket-getter.
LaVine gets buckets. He could be the missing piece for this Raptors squad. This would be a bold decision. It would go against a lot of conventional wisdom. On the other hand, it could result in a deep playoff run. If the Raptors are feeling dangerous, they’ll take the risk.
Some have suggested that they should trade Siakam because he’s impeding Barnes’ developmental path. So far this year, Barnes has begged to differ.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors Updates
He’s developing into a win-now player, so why not make a win-now move if you’re the Raptors? By contrast, this deal has the Bulls rebuilding. Should they?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
The Bulls have no Barnes. This team is starved for young talent. This is a veteran group that appears to have hit their ceiling. So, they’ve got more incentive to rebuild than the Raptors do.
That’s what this is about. The Bulls should move DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic, and Alex Caruso if they make this trade. We’ve got them starting over. The Bulls will try their luck in the lottery for a couple of seasons following this deal. If the balls bounce their way, they’ll be better for it.
In the meantime, Trent Jr. is an attractive addition in several ways. At 24, he’s young enough to be part of a rebuild – but he’s also on an expiring deal.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors Updates
Meanwhile, Achiuwa is a nice young piece to add. Throw in a pair of unprotected firsts, and who knows? The Bulls may not be underperforming for long.
