Trade value is not fixed in the NBA. It changes. Sometimes, it changes more quickly than you might expect. A player may presumably have value around the league until suddenly that value disappears.
Take Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls. It wasn’t so long ago that one might assume that the Bulls would receive a haul for LaVine. Now, it’s been reported that his value is low. The Bulls may struggle to find a taker for LaVine.
On the other hand, this could present an opportunity for some teams. LaVine may not be worth multiple firsts, but if his value is low, a team could exploit a buy-low opportunity. Could that team be the Golden State Warriors?
The Trade Proposal
Chicago Bulls receive: G/F Klay Thompson, 2026 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – GSW)
Golden State Warriors receive: G/F Zach LaVine
LaVine isn’t the only player whose value has taken a hit. The Warriors have a similar problem on their own hands. By all accounts, moving Andrew Wiggins is likely to be difficult for them.
What’s happening? Well, partly, it’s the league-wide perception of each player. Wiggins recently looked like a strong 3-and-D wing, but this year, his play has slipped. LaVine can still fill up a stat sheet, but there’s a widespread belief that those numbers are empty calories.
At the same time, the league’s market has shifted as well. It’s a buyer’s market. Teams will have more trouble finding takers for non-elite players – even if they’re good. Should the Bulls accept this price for LaVine?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
Unfortunately, there’s no reason to assume that LaVine’s value will improve. His contract is huge, and even when it’s due to expire, it’ll be difficult to match in trades. The Bulls may never get a high-value return for LaVine.
Meanwhile, there’s still some benefit in moving him. It’s time for the Bulls to move on. They shouldn’t stop at trading LaVine – DeMar DeRozan, Alex Caruso, and Nikola Vucevic should be on the block as well. The Bulls need to rebuild.
So, they should move LaVine for as much draft capital as they can find. That will probably be a lottery-protected first. Throw in Thompson’s expiring deal, and this should be enough to force the Bulls to move on from LaVine. Should the Warriors even want him?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
Arguably, the Warriors should rebuild too. Like the Bulls, this team is mediocre. Unlike the Bulls, they’re on the heels of a dynasty. The Warriors know that Steph Curry can lead a title run.
Unfortunately, his Splash Bro’s production has fallen off dramatically. Thompson is not the player that he used to be. He’s due for an extension this summer. The Warriors will need to decide on his contract soon.
Why not move it for LaVine? Sure, they’re taking on some long-term money. At the same time, the idea of LaVine alongside Curry’s elite off-ball gravity has to be tantalizing. This could be an environment in which LaVine provides more than empty calories – even if his trade value is currently low.
