The NBA’s trade market can be unforgiving. Just ask the Chicago Bulls. Recently, it’s been suggested that star off-guard Zach LaVine has minimal trade value around the league.
This is a problem for the Bulls. This team ought to rebuild. LaVine is supposed to be their best player. When a team is looking to begin rebuilding, they typically hope to get good value for their best player.
The Bulls should find a suitor. With that said, they may not like the return that they receive. Still, the market is the market. If the Bulls are serious about rebuilding, they should trade LaVine for their best offer. Here are three teams that we think should consider making an offer.
Los Angeles Lakers
Where else could we start? Everyone is linking LaVine to the Lakers. There’s a good reason for that. The Lakers are supposed to be contenders; as it stands, they’re on the fringe of the Western Conference’s playoff picture.
What are the Lakers missing? Frankly, they need a guard who can create shots. LaVine meets that criteria. This is the type of player LeBron James has typically succeeded alongside. LaVine’s efficiency should spike playing alongside one of the best playmakers in the league.
With that said, it takes two sides to make a trade. LaVine’s value may be low, but the Lakers are light on assets. Is there a team who might make the Bulls a better offer?
Brooklyn Nets
The Lakers are light on draft capital. By contrast, the Nets are plush with it. This team has plenty of first-round picks from teams around the league. Could they spare one for LaVine?
They’d have to be tempted. The Nets may have a surplus of draft picks, but they don’t have their own. This team owes control of their draft to the Houston Rockets through to 2027. The Nets have every incentive to win games, and they could use a creator like LaVine.
In all likelihood, they’d be sending Ben Simmons back to the Bulls. It would make the most sense financially, and allow the Nets to add LaVine without giving up a key rotation player. With that said, if Chicago isn’t interested in LaVine, they may need to look elsewhere for a trade partner.
Detroit Pistons
The Pistons are the worst team in the NBA. As a result, some fans will question our wisdom here. Why is the worst team in the league surrendering assets for LaVine?
Well, from the sounds of it, the Pistons won’t have to give up many assets. Perhaps they’ll part with a first-round pick. At this point, the Pistons may not mind meeting that price. This team has plenty of young talent to develop. The Pistons may opt to prioritize winning games soon.
LaVine could help. With his ability to create shots and space the floor, life should be easier for Cade Cunningham and the rest of these young Pistons. The Pistons could improve their present without taking a major hit to their future by adding LaVine. If you’re a Bulls fan, blame it on the market.
