The Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks media are confirming reports that trade talks about sending Zach LaVine to New York have occurred. Ian Begley from SNY says the Bulls are interested in Immanuel Quickley if a trade between the two teams happens.
From the Chicago Sun-Times, Joe Cowley also confirms the Bulls are aggressively trying to acquire a first-round draft pick. The Knicks currently hold four first-round picks, one from the Mavericks, Pistons, and Wizards in addition to their own. The stars seem to be aligning for the Knicks to acquire a box-office talent like Zach LaVine to pair next to Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle.
For the Bulls, Arturas Karnisovas can call quits on the disaster of a roster he put together since joining the Bulls in 2020 and continue the rebuild Gar Forman and John Paxson started back in 2017 after trading away Jimmy Butler.
"I don’t think the Knicks can acquire LaVine without giving up RJ Barrettor Julius Randle. I would assume that one of those two players would have to be in any deal. When the Knicks and Bulls talked casually about a potential deal during the season, (several weeks before the trade deadline), I was told that some with Chicago had interest in Immanuel Quickley." IAN BEGLEY VIA MAILBAG
"After multiple reports came out at the February trade deadline that the Knicks had been in discussions about a package to try and acquire LaVine, the two-time Bulls All-Star went on the defensive. That could again be on display as Thursday’s NBA Draft nears, with sources indicating that the Bulls remain active in looking to get their hands on a first-round draft pick." JOE COWLEY VIA CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
Zach LaVine to the New York Trade Idea:
As Ian Begley mentioned, the Bulls would request Julius Randle or RJ Barrett. At this point, asking for Randle would be a lateral move for the Bulls. The idea for the Knicks is to build a big three around their best players. The Bulls would likely only take RJ Barrett, who averaged 19 points per game last season, in a deal including several first-round picks and Immanuel Quickley. Anything else added to the deal is just the cherry on top.
