The Chicago Bulls are continuing their efforts to trade two-time All-Star Zach LaVine, but they haven’t had much success due to his contract and injury history. Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey proposed a three-team trade that could finally address the situation.
According to Bailey’s suggestion, the Bulls would acquire Brandon Ingram, D’Angelo Russell, and 2023 No. 17 pick Jalen Hood-Schifino, giving up LaVine and Chris Duarte in return. However, the initial trade setup would exceed the Bulls’ salary cap limits, necessitating the inclusion of backup point guard Jevon Carter to make the deal compliant.
Proposed Trade Details:
Bulls receive:
– Brandon Ingram
– D’Angelo Russell
– Jalen Hood-Schifino
– 2029 first-round pick (via LAL)
– 2031 first-round pick (via LAL)
Lakers receive:
– Zach LaVine
– Antonio Reeves
Pelicans receive:
– Cam Reddish
– Chris Duarte
– Jaxson Hayes
– Jevon Carter
– Rui Hachimura
– 2031 first-round pick (via CHI)
Financial and Strategic Benefits for the Bulls
Bailey describes this proposal as a straightforward rebuilding move, emphasizing the importance of developing players like Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis. The goal is also to move away from long-term financial commitments tied to LaVine and Nikola Vučević, with the possibility of gaining future value from Ingram or Russell if their trade values increase.
The trade would reduce the Bulls’ payroll by $3.1 million for the 2024-25 season. Ingram and Russell’s expiring contracts, worth a combined $54.7 million, could further benefit the team’s cap flexibility. Meanwhile, Hood-Schifino’s contract still has room for growth, and shedding LaVine’s $45.9 million cap hit would save the Bulls $41.9 million next season.
Carter, on a three-year, $19.5 million deal, has a $6.8 million player option for 2025-26, and Duarte is in the final year of his contract. Trading these players at the deadline could be advantageous.
Zach LaVine’s Performance Update
LaVine started the preseason with a slow performance, scoring seven points on 37.5% shooting in the Bulls’ 116-112 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite a lackluster showing, his health could be a crucial factor in increasing his trade value during the season.
Last season, LaVine’s performance was hampered by a foot injury, limiting him to 19.5 points per game in 25 appearances. However, he had a more productive 2022-23 season, averaging 24.8 points and shooting 37.5% from three-point range in 77 games.
