We all knew that the Chicago Bulls might blow up their roster during the 2023-24 NBA season. Even the players on this team seemed to know that this was their last stand.
If the Bulls didn’t surpass expectations, they were likely to make some trades. Now, it feels like a foregone conclusion. The Bulls have allegedly put Zach LaVine on the market.
This is happening. The only question is whether LaVine will end up. He’ll have his suitors. LaVine may not have the market that the Bulls would like.
He’s a volume scorer whose efficiency is inconsistent. Still, someone will want a player of his caliber.
Could the Orlando Magic make a move for him?
NBA Trade Proposal: Orlando Magic Land Chicago Bulls’ Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls Receive: F Jonathan Isaac, G/F Gary Harris, G Jalen Suggs, F Chuma Okeke, 2025 First-Round Pick (ORL), 2027 First-Round Pick (ORL)
Orlando Magic Receive: G/F Zach LaVine
This wouldn’t be the first major trade between these teams in recent years. The Magic were ready to build, and the Bulls wanted to take a step forward.
That’s how Nikola Vucevic ended up on the Bulls. How has that worked out? Frankly, not well. The Bulls ended up in the same place that the Magic had been in for years: stuck in the middle.
This team hasn’t been able to land top lottery picks, but they haven’t been in the playoffs, either. Is Vucevic the common denominator?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Orlando Magic Updates
That might not be fair. Sure, Vucevic is a gifted offensive big with limited defensive ability. On the other hand, neither team did much to build around him. Either way, since he left the Magic, they’ve begun to thrive.
Does this deal help them take a final step forward?
Why The Orlando Magic Do The Deal
During their recent rebuild, the Magic have done well to land cornerstone players. Nobody is more important to this roster than Paolo Banchero or Franz Wagner.
Now, the Magic need to maximize the roster around their star forwards. What does the team need? Firstly, the Magic needs more floor spacing. This team’s offense is cramped.
Still, they could do more than target a floor spacer. The Magic could use a guard who can create his own shot. In other words, LaVine would be the perfect addition.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Orlando Magic Updates
He’s having a rough season, but his efficiency ought to improve alongside Banchero and Wagner. Meanwhile, they’ll benefit from LaVine’s gravity.
Should the Bulls accept this package for their scoring guard?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
Meanwhile, Orlando’s rebuild hasn’t gone perfectly. Jalen Suggs is still struggling offensively in his third season. Why should the Bulls take an interest in him?
Well, Suggs has flashed potential. He’s already among the best defensive guards in the NBA, and he’s a solid playmaker.
If he can find his three-point shot, he’ll be a starting-caliber player. Meanwhile, Jonathan Isaac still has ample potential if he can get healthy.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Orlando Magic Updates
Yet, the pair of first-round picks that the Bulls are getting are most important here. This team is going to be rebuilding – they need draft capital above all else. Hopefully, they can use it to build a roster that they don’t have to blow up.
