The NBA’s rumor mill never stops churning. The cycle is endless. Every day of the year, we’re discussing possibilities. Still, some teams are more prominent in those discussions than others.
Somehow, the Miami Heat always seem to find their way into rumors. This summer was no exception. The Heat were frequently linked to Damian Lillard.
In the end, they couldn’t land him. Still, don’t be surprised if their name pops up in trade rumors again. In fact, it already has. The Chicago Bulls are perhaps the most discussed team in trade rumors recently.
It’s been reported that they’re open to moving star guard Zach LaVine, and the Heat are allegedly a suitor. Given the team’s desire to add a volume scorer, it’s something to monitor.
Here’s a deal that has him landing there.
NBA Trade Proposal: Miami Heat Land Chicago Bulls’ Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls receive: G Kyle Lowry, G/F Duncan Robinson, 2027 First-Round Pick (MIA), 2028 First-Round Pick (Swap – MIA), 2029 First-Round Pick (MIA)
Miami Heat receive: G/F Zach LaVine
In fact, there are more trade rumors now than there have ever been in NBA history. There are several reasons for that. The first one is obvious – it’s the internet.
In the age of information and disinformation, there are more platforms for speculation than ever before. That’s not the only reason. Trade requests are more common than they ever were.
This is the player empowerment era. If a player isn’t happy on his team, he’ll let it be known. Rumors will start, and in all likelihood, a trade will follow. Some fans don’t like it.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat Updates
They’d prefer for the rest of us to wait and see what happens before we speculate. Good luck with that. This is the new NBA, and it isn’t likely to change.
Should the Bulls finally put the LaVine rumors to rest?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
Were you expecting to see Tyler Herro? Fair enough. That feels like the obvious move on Chicago’s end. With that said, Herro has outplayed LaVine this year.
It’s not even certain that Miami would be wiling to swap the two guards in a straight-up deal. So, we went a different route. More than anything, the Bulls are doing this deal for two first-round picks and a swap.
That’s likely LaVine’s market value. He’s having a down year. Still, this is a solid amount of draft capital for the Bulls to begin rebuilding with.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat Updates
Meanwhile, Lowry’s expiring contract offers some cap relief. Taking on Robinson’s deal is suboptimal, but in all likelihood, the Bulls will eventually be able to flip him to a contender in need of shooting.
Should the Heat part with their three-point specialist?
Why The Miami Heat Do The Deal
The Heat are in a unique position. They made a trip to the NBA Finals last year, but they weren’t supposed to be there. This team doesn’t look like they’re heading back there, either.
Yet, the fact that they made it to the Finals in the first place could justify a win-now expense. What does this team need? Some will suggest that they should be seeking a more traditional point guard than LaVine. We disagree.
Sure, that position is weak for Miami – but they’ve got enough playmaking. Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler can hold down the fort. Miami simply needs more talent in its backcourt.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat Updates
That’s what they’re getting here. Pairing two shot creators like LaVine and Herro with two playmakers like Adebayo and Butler could get them back into the Finals – and out of the rumor mill.
