The NBA trade market can be fickle. Recently, the Chicago Bulls have learned that lesson. They could have received a haul in exchange for Zach LaVine some time ago.
Now, it’s been reported that his trade value is practically non-existent. What happened? Well, there’s a couple of explanations. The league’s market has changed. Most of the buyers have – well, bought.
There are few teams with the assets to offer market value for LaVine. At the same time, his declining productivity, overall play style, and contract also impact his value.
Yet, some team should be desperate enough to make a move for LaVine. Even if his play style is problematic, he’s extremely talented.
Could the Detroit Pistons be desperate enough to make a move for him?
NBA Trade Proposal: Detroit Pistons Land Chicago Bulls’ Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls Receive: G/F Joe Harris, C James Wiseman, G Jaden Ivey
Detroit Pistons Receive: G/F Zach LaVine
Moreover, players can’t singlehandedly control their trade value. Teams can alter a player’s value as well. Sometimes, they alter it for the worse.
Unfortunately, that’s something that the Pistons have been doing recently. What’s happening with Ivey? This is a recent lottery pick. Ivey flashed potential as a rookie.
For his efforts, he’s being rewarded with a permanent spot on the bench. For whatever reason, new head coach Monty Williams doesn’t seem to trust Ivey.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons Updates
That doesn’t mean that Detroit has to move him. They may have a plan for him that we simply can’t see at the moment. With that said, his trade value is declining every day.
Should the Pistons flip him for LaVine?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
The Pistons are the worst team in the NBA. This has been a trend in recent years. With that in mind, some would suggest they’re being foolish here. The Pistons are in no position to give up young players for a veteran.
Perhaps. At the same time, this has been a trend in recent years. The Pistons must be getting desperate. If they don’t make strides soon, players may start getting antsy.
They may develop losing habits. At this point, the Pistons need to figure out a way to win some basketball games.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons Updates
LaVine should help. His ability to generate rim pressure should open up the floor for Cade Cunningham. This is a bold move for the league’s worst team, but it’s one worth making.
Can we say the same for the Bulls?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
The Pistons may be desperate to win. The Bulls should be equally desperate to lose. This team has been stuck in the middle for some time. By now, it’s clear that the Bulls have got to rebuild.
Some will suggest that they ought to pursue first-round picks in exchange for LaVine. In theory, that’s true. In practice, it would likely be hard to get more than one for him.
With that in mind, it may be more sensible to flip LaVine for a young player like Ivey if that’s an option. In fact, bringing in Wiseman is sensible enough in its own right.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons Updates
If the Bulls can get some draft capital for Alex Caruso, this deal in tandem with that deal should get them off to a strong start in their rebuild. By the time they’re ready to compete, the league’s trade market may be more favorable.
