Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls is among the most popular trade targets in the NBA. He is heavily rumored to be available. With that said, it’s been reported that his market has dried up.
Nobody seems to be biting on LaVine. The situation is complicated. LaVine is extremely talented – nobody is disputing that.
With that said, he’s a score-first player who can be prone to inefficiency. LaVine is a poor defender, and he’s on a substantial contract. What should the Bulls do?
Well, eventually, they should find a suitor. Someone will want to take a flyer on LaVine – especially if he’s available at a low cost.
Could the Sacramento Kings be that team?
NBA Trade Proposal: Sacramento Kings Land Chicago Bulls’ Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls Receive: F Harrison Barnes, F/C Trey Lyles, F Sasha Vezenkov, G Davion Mitchell, G/F Chris Duarte, 2026 First-Round Pick (SAC)
Sacramento Kings Receive: G/F Zach LaVine
It’s been rumored that LaVine would like to join the Kings. That matters. A star’s preferences can dictate a team’s decisions in the modern NBA. Who will trade for a star that doesn’t want to join them?
The Milwaukee Bucks, that’s who. This summer, Damian Lillard was widely expected to join the Miami Heat. It seemed to be his strong preference.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Sacramento Kings Updates
The Bucks acquired Lillard anyway. So far, it’s looked like the right decision. With that said, LaVine is not Lillard. Lillard is one of the best offensive players in the NBA. LaVine falls short of that mark.
Could the Kings make a move for him anyway?
Why The Sacramento Kings Do The Deal
If there’s a concern for the Kings here, it’s got to do with their depth. They’re moving several rotation players here just to pick up one guy. Can they afford to lose them all?
We think so. Sacramento could turn to the buyout market to flesh out the rest of their roster. In the NBA, your top-end talent is what matters most. Here, they’re landing the best player in this trade.
That’s indisputable. LaVine may have his warts, but he’s an outlier athlete who can create his shot. The Kings would form one of the most athletic backcourts in the NBA by pairing him with De’Aaron Fox.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Sacramento Kings Updates
Meanwhile, they’ll have one of the best playmaking bigs in the NBA setting them up in Domantas Sabonis.
Should the Bulls help them put an offensive powerhouse together?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
There’s a notable absence in this deal. The Bulls may insist on acquiring Keegan Murray. In that event, the Kings should pass. With that said, the Bulls should accept this deal either way.
They’re not going to get a haul for LaVine. They’re still landing Davion Mitchell and an unprotected first here. Mitchell has looked the part of a defensive-minded guard who will be in the NBA for a long time during his stint in Sacramento.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Sacramento Kings Updates
Moreover, Barnes should have some trade value this summer. Lyles may as well. The Bulls aren’t likely to start their rebuild with a treasure trove of assets, but the most important thing is that they start their rebuild. In all likelihood, that starts with trading LaVine.
