One NBA writer is proposing that the New York Knicks acquire Zach LaVine and Andre Drummond from the Chicago Bulls.
Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report proposed the following trade idea between the Knicks and Bulls:
The Chicago Bulls trade Zach LaVine and Andre Drummond to the New York Knicks for RJ Barrett, Evan Fournier and a 2024 first-round pick (top-10-protected, via DAL)
The Bulls are expected to trade LaVine before the trade deadline in February. Since Knicks starting big man Mitchell Robinson will miss the rest of the season due to ankle surgery, Buckley believes New York should pursue a trade for LaVine and Drummond.
The Knicks could start Jalen Brunson, LaVine, Josh Hart, Julius Randle and Drummond if New York’s front office figured out a path to acquire LaVine and Drummond from Chicago.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Andre Drummond, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks Updates
“While a LaVine-Brunson backcourt would be defensively challenged, the upgrade from Barrett to LaVine in scoring, shooting and playmaking could be worth it,” Buckley wrote. “LaVine could relieve some of New York’s inside-the-arc congestion and widen the attack lanes for Brunson and Randle. Drummond, meanwhile, could give some relief to a center rotation that could be without Robinson all season.”
LaVine is averaging 21.0 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists this season while shooting 44.3% from the floor, 33.6% from 3 and 86.6% from the foul line. The two-time All-Star hasn’t played since November 28 due to a foot injury.
Meanwhile, Drummond is averaging 6.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 0.4 blocks while shooting 51.4% overall. The former Detroit Pistons star was born and raised in New York.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Andre Drummond, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks Updates
The Knicks are 16-11 on the season. They are in fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings. Adding LaVine and Drummond could vault New York into upper-echelon status since LaVine is a talented scorer and shooter and Drummond is an elite rebounder and rim protector.
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