Chicago Bulls' best trade assets: 1. Zach LaVine
LaVine is both the most talented player on this Bulls roster and its most polarizing.
On one hand, he’s one of the most athletic and gifted offensive players in the NBA. LaVine can take his man off the dribble and get to the basket whenever he wants. He shoots a high percentage from three-point range and can create his own shot. LaVine can score in bunches and often makes it look easy.
On the other hand, his shot selection is often questionable – especially in clutch situations. When was the last time you saw LaVine hit a big shot for the Bulls late in games? He’s also both a below-average defender and a poor team defender. LaVine often has defensive lapses and opponents target his man to gain an advantage.
In other words, Zach LaVine is an extraordinary talent, but not a winning player. And this is coming from a guy who had been a long-time defender of LaVine.
That has long been the main criticism of LaVine. He’s had chances to grow in Chicago and be the alpha. He’s had chances to show that he’s a winning player. Now both the Bulls and LaVine may be looking to move on.
The two-time All-Star is the Bulls’ best top trade asset. LaVine is 28 years old and is under contract for three more years after this season. Any team trading for him will be getting one of the league’s most talented players during his prime.
There’s also the fact that LaVine’s salary is about $40 million per year. The Bulls should be able to get value in return for him. That could include young players, picks, and/or expiring contracts.
LaVine is not a number one guy. He could thrive on a contender as a number two or three scoring option. LaVine has been linked to the Knicks and Sixers in the past. He could still be a fit for either. The Lakers would be scary offensively with a “Big Three” of LeBron, AD, and LaVine.
The Kings could put together the best trade package for Zach LaVine. He could be the athletic wing they need to take them to the next level of contenders in the West. My dark horse destination for LaVine is the San Antonio Spurs. They may not be a contender, but they have Gregg Popovich.
“Pop” coached LaVine during the Tokyo Olympic Games. He isn’t the winning type of player Popovich usually prefers, but the Hall-of-Fame coach can get the most out of him. Plus, San Antonio is looking to build around rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs have young players and picks that could be attractive to the Bulls’ front office.
These Chicago Bulls are a mess and are in desperate need of a roster reset. Trading these four guys is a start, but this front office won’t likely get top-tier value in return. A long rebuild is on the horizon.
Buckle up Bulls fans. It will be another long winter in Chicago.