The Chicago Bulls Are "Gauging The Trade Interest" Of Zach LaVine

After hearing that DeMar DeRozan or Nikola Vucevic may be the most likely to depart from Chicago, Yahoo Sports says otherwise, reporting that the Bulls are contacting teams regarding their 28-year-old star Zach LaVine. Without a draft selection or any clear direction for the future, this would be a massive indicator of Chicago's future plans, and one would have to think this wouldn't be the only domino to fall. With DeRozan carrying much less appeal in any rebuild scenario and only having one year left on his contract, he'd likely follow LaVine out the door if he were indeed dealt elsewhere. How much could the Bulls reel in for the former UCLA guard, and is this the beginning of a new era in the Windy City?

More Valuable Than Bradley Beal

As reported by Jake Fischer, the LaVine trading block news is somewhat of a surprise to NBA fans. Many saw DeRozan as good as gone, Vucevic as likely elsewhere next season, and that the Bulls would start with their 28-year-old guard and build from there. He should have plenty of willing suitors as a two-time All-Star selection who's averaged over 24 points, four assists, and four rebounds per contest over his last four seasons. Except for the limited playoff success, LaVine's numbers are very similar to Donovan Mitchell's when he was with the Utah Jazz and should demand a similar price tag in any deal done this summer.

If the Bulls can find their way into the top five of this year's draft, add quality starters to their lineup, and acquire youth with upside, it might be the only way for the front office to save their jobs moving forward. Having already made one less-than-ideal trade for Vucevic when this regime first arrived, any other blockbuster deal would be under a microscopic lens by the organization and its' fans. With Beal also on the block, the main argument for LaVine's higher worth is his durability. LaVine has averaged playing in 72 games over the past two seasons, whereas the 29-year-old Beal has only averaged 45 games over his last two campaigns.

"Multiple teams have indicated the Bulls are holding a steep valuation for LaVine - one that's likely to exceed what Washington can ultimately net for Beal."

Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports

Most Likely Landing Spots For LaVine

Having a guaranteed contract north of 40 million dollars over the next four seasons makes LaVine a tough sell to any current championship contender. Any suitor would need the cap space to handle his lucrative deal, have the capital to send in return for the two-time All-Star selection, and take the gamble, given his injury history, that he stays healthy. Given this criteria, Portland, Houston, or Dallas are the most likely destinations.

Any deal with these teams would entail a top-ten selection in the 2023 NBA Draft, a player like Anfernee Simons, Kevin Porter Jr., or Christian Wood, plus future draft capital. If Dallas misses out on Kyrie Irving, LaVine may be an appealing pivot to pair with Luka Doncic and company. Ideally, Portland pulls the trigger on a deal with Chicago that sends the third overall pick, Anfernee Simons, and future draft capital to pair Damian Lillard with LaVine, two of the deadliest outside shooters in the league today.

How serious are the Bulls about dealing Zach LaVine, and what sort of king's ransom could they haul in for the face of their franchise over the last six seasons?