The Detroit Pistons have one of the longest-suffering fanbases in the NBA. This team was mediocre before they even started rebuilding.
Now, their rebuild is failing to get off the ground. What’s happening in Motor City? It’s not exactly a lack of talent. The Pistons have good young players. Ausar Thompson is having a fantastic rookie year, and Jalen Duren is breaking out as a sophomore.
Cade Cunningham’s statistical profile is complicated, but it feels like he’d thrive if the Pistons just made some changes. Above all else, poor spacing is the culprit.
The Pistons could use a guard that can create his own shots in half-court sets. That was supposed to be Jaden Ivey, but it doesn’t feel like the Pistons trust him.
Could they package him in a deal for Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls?
NBA Trade Proposal: Detroit Pistons Land Chicago Bulls’ Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls Receive: G/F Joe Harris, C James Wiseman, G Jaden Ivey, F Isaiah Livers, 2026 First-Round PIck (Top 10 Protected – DET)
Detroit Pistons Receive: G/F Zach LaVine
On the other hand, it hasn’t been easy for Bulls fans, either. It’s been a long time since they were rebuilding like the Pistons have been.
On some level, that’s what’s been difficult – the Bulls have refused to rebuild, even though they’ve needed to. This goes back further than the current version of the Bulls.
Remember Jimmy Butler, Dwyane Wade, and Rajon Rondo? The Bulls haven’t had a viable shot at the NBA title since Derrick Rose was in his prime. Yet, they haven’t rebuilt, either.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons Updates
So, cut the Pistons some slack. Yes, this has been trying. It’s still more exciting for fans than a team built around Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe. With that said it might be time for Detroit to take a step forward.
Should they start by acquiring LaVine?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
Let’s talk more about Cunningham first. His raw counting stats are impressive. Unfortunately, Cunningham is wildly inefficient and turning the ball over at a horrendous clip.
Isn’t it possible that the Pistons’ spacing is too poor? That’s not to say that theyre acquiring LaVine as a floor spacer. His ability to shoot helps, but the general defensive attention opponents have to pay him should excite the Pistons.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons Updates
Teams won’t be able to key in on Cunningham so easily anymore – he’ll have a co-star. Besides, what are the Pistons losing out on here? They don’t trust Ivey or Wiseman. Harris is a great role player, but for LaVine, he’s expendable.
Should the Bulls be interested in him?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
Well, they may be interested in Harris’ expiring contract. That’s not the point here. In simple terms, the Bulls are flipping LaVine for Jaden Ivey in this deal.
Sure, Ivey has fallen out of favor in Detroit. This team brought a veteran coach in Monty Williams on board this summer. He was supposed to instill a winning culture.
That means Ivey is on the bench due to his regular defensive miscues. It doesn’t mean that he’s not talented. In Chicago, he’d have a longer leash. The Bulls are getting a guard who was seen as the best in his class just last year.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons Updates
Taking a flyer on Wiseman doesn’t hurt either. If those two can unlock their potential in Chicago, their fans won’t have to suffer for much longer.
