The Toronto Raptors are interested in acquiring Zach LaVine from the Chicago Bulls and one NBA writer has figured out a way for that to happen.
Dan Favale of Bleacher Report proposed the following trade idea between the Raptors and Bulls:
Chicago Bulls Receive: Precious Achiuwa, Chris Boucher, Gradey Dick, Gary Trent Jr., 2026 first-round pick (top-eight protection; turns into two seconds if not conveyed), 2028 first-round pick (top-eight protection; turns into two seconds if not conveyed)
Toronto Raptors Receive: Zach LaVine, Terry Taylor
LaVine and the Bulls are open to parting ways. The Raptors would have a “Big 4” of LaVine, Scottie Barnes, Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby if this trade proposal Favale came up with happened.
“Pay little attention to LaVine’s sub-34-percent clip from deep so far,” Favale wrote. “He is one of the most dangerous off-the-bounce three-point shooters in the league—someone who significantly bolsters Toronto’s bottom-five half-court offense. His arrival does little to simplify the dynamic between Siakam and Scottie Barnes. But having two ball-handlers like them shifts him more toward a hybrid second-third option role, which profiles as his best use.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors Updates
LaVine is averaging 21.0 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists on the season while shooting 44.3% from the field, 33.6% from 3 and 86.6% from the free-throw line. The two-time All-Star signed a five-year, $215 million contract with the Bulls in July 2022. He’s making $40 million this season.
LaVine, who is represented by Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group, would like to get traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, San Antonio Spurs or Sacramento Kings, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports. However, LaVine can’t control where he gets traded since he doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract.
The last time the Raptors made a blockbuster trade was back in 2018 when Masai Ujiri acquired Kawhi Leonard from the Spurs. Toronto won the 2019 championship over the Golden State Warriors, with Leonard taking home his second Finals MVP Award.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors Updates
LaVine isn’t a superstar like Leonard, but he’s a gifted scorer and shooter who could help the Raptors make some noise in the postseason. Toronto also gets to keep Barnes, Siakam and Anunoby in this trade idea.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
Interested in reading the latest storylines and analysis in the NFL? Check out our partner NFL Analysis Network.
