Around the NBA, some fans are expecting some teams to rebuild. Those teams may defy expectations. Some front offices would prefer any approach other than rebuilding if it’s available.
It feels like the Chicago Bulls are one of those teams. The messaging from this front office has suggested that the Bulls want to stay competitive.
Still, this team badly needs to rebuild. Many of their fans hope this front office will take a future-focused approach. All of which can also be said about the Toronto Raptors. These are likely the two strongest candidates to rebuild in the NBA.
Could they take opposite routes in a trade that sends Zach LaVine to the Raptors?
NBA Trade Proposal: Toronto Raptors Land Chicago Bulls’ Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls Receive: G/F Gary Trent Jr., F/C Chris Boucher, F/C Thaddeus Young, 2026 First-Round Pick (TOR)
Toronto Raptors Receive: G/F Zach LaVine
Knowing when to rebuild is an essential skill for a general manager. You shouldn’t rush into a rebuild – nobody wants to sell their current talent short. On the other hand, you don’t want to wait too long, either.
After all, trade value fluctuates. Teams don’t want to risk watching a player’s value decline. It’s being reported that the Bulls are currently facing that dilemma. By all accounts, the trade market for LaVine has dried up.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors Updates
What happens next? Should the Bulls avoid trading LaVine because his value has declined? Or, is moving him still the right thing to do?
Should they accept this return for the star guard?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
Yes. There are benefits in moving LaVine no matter what his return is. The Bulls need to move on. If nothing else, reducing the talent on their roster will help them tank and improve their lottery odds.
Meanwhile, they’re getting something out of this. The Bulls are getting several expiring contracts. If they like what they see in Trent Jr., they’ll have an inside track on extending him this summer. If not, they’ll enjoy the cap relief.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors Updates
Moreover, Chicago is still netting an unprotected first here. That’s better than nothing. Should the Raptors give that much up for LaVine?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
Why should the Raptors want him if the Bulls should be moving LaVine? They’ve got a worse record than the Bulls. If Chicago needs to be rebuilding, why doesn’t Toronto?
These are fair questions. Yet, there are different philosophies about team building. The Raptors seem inclined to maintain a competitive culture. If that’s the front office’s philosophy, LaVine could help.
If nothing else, this team could use a guard who can create in half-court sets. Why not LaVine? The Raptors can hope that by surrounding him with a better defensive cast, they can maximize him.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors Updates
This team has a platoon of defensive wings that the Bulls do not. Adding LaVine to that mix could make sense – unless the Raptors want to rebuild, of course.
