The NBA’s trade market fluctuates wildly. It can change at the drop of a dime. Whether that benefits your team or not will depend on when they make their move.
Last summer, we saw teams exploit an inflated market. The Utah Jazz moved Rudy Gobert for four unprotected firsts. The San Antonio Spurs got three for Dejounte Murray. The market was hot for sellers, and those teams sold.
Now, the market has cooled down. That’s unfortunate for the Chicago Bulls. They seemingly want to move Zach LaVine, but apparently, there’s no market for him.
Could they send him to the Los Angeles Lakers at a discount?
NBA Trade Proposal: Los Angeles Lakers Land Chicago Bulls’ Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls Receive: G D’Angelo Russell, F Rui Hachimura, G Gabe Vincent, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G/F Zach LaVine
More questions emerge here. What happened to the market? What happened to LaVine’s market? This is one of the best scorers in the NBA. How come the Bulls can’t get a haul for him?
Well, let’s look at the market. Firstly, general managers around the league likely feel that the Wolves gave up too much for Gobert. They don’t want to make the same mistake. The Wolves may have reset the market. Moreover, after a selling spree, something inevitable happens – there are fewer sellers.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
On the other hand, LaVine hasn’t done himself any favors. As talented of a scorer as he is, LaVine is a weak defender and a limited playmaker.
Should the Lakers even take a chance on him?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
Absolutely. Sure, LaVine has flaws. Most players in the NBA do. The league’s flawless players are typically the S-Tier superstars. Luckily, the Lakers have one of those players.
LeBron James is still All-NBA level. They’re not acquiring LaVine to carry them – he’d be their third option. LaVine ought to thrive in that role. With James and Anthony Davis’ gravity, his efficiency ought to spike.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
The Lakers are also exploiting a buy-low opportunity. LaVine is an awfully talented player to land at the cost of some role players and a single first-round pick.
Should the Bulls accept that package?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
This could suit the Bulls. Allegedly, they’re looking for win-now players in any trade that they make this year. Here, they’re landing some useful veterans.
Yet, it should make them a worse team. Whether the Bulls like it or not, that’s what’s best for them. This team needs to be rebuilding. Typically, the first step in that process is to tank. Following this trade, the Bulls should be able to find their way into the lottery.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Are they selling low? Undeniably. By now, it seems like that’s their only option. Hanging onto LaVine is clearly untenable at this point. The Bulls may simply be victims of the market.
