The NBA trade deadline is quickly approaching. With that in mind, there are some popular trade targets. On the other hand, some of those targets may be less likely to get moved than some fans think.
Take Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls. He’s been the subject of trade rumors for some time. Don’t be shocked if the deadline passes and LaVine is still in Chicago. Reports have suggested that LaVine’s trade value around the league is minimal at best.
Is it non-existent? We’re not sure. Occasionally, rumors arise that link LaVine to particular teams. Recently, it’s been suggested that he could wind up on the Charlotte Hornets. Here’s a deal that sends him there.
NBA Trade Proposal
Chicago Bulls Receive: F Gordon Hayward, F Miles Bridges, G James Bouknight
Charlotte Hornets Receive: G/F Zach LaVine, F Torrey Craig
How did we get here? LaVine is a highly talented scorer. How is his trade value so low?
Well, LaVine seems to be a bit one-dimensional. Outside of scoring, he doesn’t offer much. Given how inconsistent his efficiency is, that’s a problem.
Meanwhile, his ability to get buckets earned him a massive contract. Teams are likely hesitant to add that money to their books. Meanwhile, the league’s trade market shifted.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls Updates
There are fewer buyers than there were before. It’s difficult to identify a team that would give up assets for him. Should the Hornets give this much up for LaVine?
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
We’ll say this much – the fit here is interesting. LaVine would be joining LaMelo Ball to form one of the most dynamic backcourts in the NBA. With Ball’s ability to distribute and LaVine’s ability to score, the Hornets could be more dangerous.
Are they flipping two expiring contracts for a bloated deal? Sure. This wouldn’t be the first time that the Hornets took on bad money. As a small market team, they can struggle to attract marquee talent.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls Updates
Why not exploit a buy-low opportunity? Hayward and Bridges are both on expiring deals, and the Hornets don’t seem keen to extend either this summer. Bouknight has been a disappointment since he was drafted. Should the Bulls be interested in him?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
Above all else, the Bulls should be happy to get off of LaVine’s deal. Think about it – LaVine doesn’t have a trade market. Teams don’t want him. Why should the Bulls be an exception?
Hayward will be a rental. If the Bulls don’t buy him out, he’ll join a contender in the summer. On the other hand, taking a flyer on Bridges makes sense. He’s only 25 and can be a highly impactful player at times.
Yet, landing Bouknight may be the highlight here. He hasn’t had a lot of opportunities in Charlotte, but the suddenly rebuilding Bulls ought to let him loose.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls Updates
Leading up to the 2021 draft, he was seen as a young player with some star potential. That makes him a good return for a player who isn’t supposed to have value in the first place.
