The Chicago Bulls are stuck in the sand with overpaid aging stars and no draft picks. The one asset that could restart their franchise is a 28-year-old Zach LaVine, locked into a deal with four years remaining. In his six seasons with the Bulls, LaVine has made it to the playoffs just once, which resulted in losing in five games to the Milwaukee Bucks. On the other hand, they traded away Jimmy Butler, who has made it to the NBA Finals twice since departing from the Bulls.
While LaVine failed to make the All-Star team last season despite playing 77 games and averaging nearly 25 points per game last season, the Bulls could market him as a 'star' and receive returns more significant than the ones they received for Jimmy Butler back in 2017. Consider it inflation for stars over the past six years.
Zach LaVine to the Blazers
Bulls Trade: Zach LaVine, sign-and-trade Nikola Vucevic
Blazers Trade: 2023 3rd pick, 2023 23rd pick, Shaedon Sharpe, Jusuf Nurkic
Since there's no team in Seattle, consider the Blazers a homecoming team for Zach LaVine. A star rarely signs with a small-market team like the Blazers. Historically, they've drafted or traded for their big-name players. As Damien Lillard seems to be on the verge of potentially demanding a trade, building one last super team around Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, Jerami Grant, and Anfernee Simons would keep him around for a few years.
The Bulls are far apart in negotiations with Nikola Vucevic. At this point, they're at risk of him walking in free agency. Their sole focus should be rebuilding around Scoot Henderson with the 3rd pick and trying to hit a home run with the 23rd pick. Shaedon Sharpe is a nice young piece. At his point, consider this a complete rebuild but with a promising player who has the potential to be the next Russell Westbrook or Ja Morant, in a good way.
Zach LaVine to the Boston Celtics
Bulls Trade: Zach LaVine
Celtics Trade: Jaylen Brown
After being embarrassed by an 8th-seed team in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Celtics will likely be active at the trade deadline. There is chatter that they will be splitting up the dynamic wing duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. This could be viewed as a lateral move, but Brown needs his team to thrive. After all, he has a lot of experience in the playoffs, including a trip to the Finals.
Zach LaVine to the Thunder
Bulls Trade: Zach LaVine
Thunder Trade: Chet Holmgren, Luguentz Dort, 2023 12th pick
The Thunder probably have the most significant treasure chest of draft picks in NBA history. They've been accumulating and would want to unload just a few draft picks to pair a 'star' player next to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. It's unknown how good Chet Holmgren could be. He shares similar skillsets as Victor Wembamyama, but he injured his foot last summer, causing him to miss his entire rookie season. At this point, he's the X-factor. Neither team knows what they're getting or giving up with Chet. Dort and the 12th pick should make the Bulls feel more comfortable.
