Zach LaVine has made his return to the court for the Chicago Bulls, which reignites the team’s ongoing efforts to find a trade partner for the two-time All-Star. Due to LaVine’s injury history and large contract, the pool of suitors has been limited. However, Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale suggests that the Orlando Magic could be an ideal destination for LaVine, offering a trade package that could benefit both teams.
In this proposed deal, the Bulls would receive:
– Cole Anthony
– Jonathan Isaac
– Tristan Da Silva (2024 first-round pick)
– 2025 first-round pick (protected, most favorable via Orlando or Denver)
Meanwhile, the Magic would acquire:
– Torrey Craig
– Zach LaVine
Favale points out that LaVine has been performing well early in the season, maintaining the potential for the Bulls to get good value for the remaining three years and $138 million on his contract. Although a hip injury raised concerns about LaVine’s durability, he’s already back on the court, which may keep the trade market alive for him. In return, the Bulls would receive Isaac, a versatile defender who can play multiple frontcourt positions. Despite his large salary this season, Isaac’s contract becomes more affordable in the following years, and his deal is injury-protected for the remaining years.
This trade can’t happen until January 6 due to Isaac’s contract stipulations. He signed a five-year, $84 million deal in July that includes a six-month trade restriction. Anthony, in the first year of a three-year, $39.1 million extension, and Da Silva, a 2024 first-round pick signed to a four-year, $17.5 million contract, are also part of the deal. LaVine is in Year 3 of his five-year, $215.1 million contract, while Craig is on a two-year, $5.3 million deal. The Bulls would save $4.3 million this season under the proposed trade.
Isaac, a 6-foot-10 forward, was drafted sixth overall in 2017 but has been plagued by injuries throughout his career. He missed two full seasons but, when healthy, is known for his strong defense and versatility. Anthony, 24, was drafted 15th overall in 2020 with a reputation for scoring, but his assist numbers have declined over the past three seasons. He has become more of a bench player than a starter. Da Silva, the 18th overall pick in 2024, has impressed in his rookie season with Orlando.
Favale suggests that the Bulls could also explore alternatives from the Magic, like Jett Howard, a Chicago native and the No. 11 pick in the 2023 draft. Howard’s father, Juwan Howard, is an assistant coach with the Brooklyn Nets and was an NBA All-Star during his career.
The proposed trade could help the Bulls address several roster needs, especially by adding defense and potential future assets. Favale advises that Chicago should be open to negotiating with Orlando and adjusting the package if needed.
