It will be very interesting to see how this Chicago Bulls rebuild goes. The direction is clear for all to see. DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso, two of their most important and experienced players, departed this summer. But for it to work out, it might be necessary for the organization to find Zach LaVine a new home.
That is easier said than done. If rumors are accurate then the Bulls have been trying to trade LaVine for some time now but there has not been much interest around the league.
At his best, LaVine is one of the most dynamic scorers in the NBA. But there are limitations to his game and also some major risks any team would have to take if trading for him.
The first would be his massive contract. LaVine is set to make $138 million over the next three seasons.
The second would be his injury problems. LaVine played just 25 times last season and underwent a season-ending surgery on his right foot in February this year.
LaVine has been playing in preseason for the Bulls and seems to be getting back up to speed. The 28-point performance in 22 minutes against the Memphis Grizzlies was a positive sign for sure.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been suggested as a potential trade destination for LaVine in recent times.
The Lakers have failed to compete since their Championship win in 2020. With LeBron James set to turn 40 this year, they need to make something happen soon if they want to be in title contention.
Desperate times call for desperate measures. If the Lakers are off to a shaky start this season, could they try to trade for LaVine? And if they do, what should the Bulls expect in return?
In the Bleacher Report article 'Imagining Every NBA Team's Top 3 Trade Targets This Season', Grant Hughes has suggested Austin Reaves for the Bulls. He wrote: "It may not seem sensible to add another guard to a team that already has two good ones in Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu, but neither of those two is likely to extend off of their current deals and will hit free agency in 2026.
"Reaves would be a key piece in the return for Zach LaVine if the Bulls and Lakers can agree on a deal to send the two-time All-Star to L.A.—one whose shooting and playmaking would allow Chicago flexibility in the way it builds out the rest of the roster."
Of course, whether the Lakers would be open to the idea of parting with Reaves in a trade for LaVine is a different discussion altogether.
Reaves, who went undrafted in 2021, has developed into a starter for the Lakers. He started 57 times last season and played 32.1 minutes per game while averaging 15.9 points, 5.5 assists and 4.3 rebounds.
Just getting LaVine's contract off the books would be seen as a step in the right direction for the Bulls. Reaves on the other hand signed a four-year, $54 million deal with the Lakers last year.
Related: Los Angeles Lakers Player Named Ambitious Trade Target For Chicago Bulls
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