Bulls could shed $138 million contract in blockbuster trade with Lakers

The Chicago Bulls are still stuck in NBA purgatory, but a massive trade with the Los Angeles Lakers could set them free.

While Chicago has taken some steps toward a new era, they’re still burdened by Zach LaVine’s more-than-cumbersome contract, which has proved impossible to move.

With reports surfacing this summer that LaVine is fully healthy, however, Chicago cannot give up in its attempts to trade the two-time All-Star. LaVine doesn’t align with the Bulls’ plan to be bad for a few years, but he’s a highly skilled player in his athletic prime who could very much help a contender or fringe contender.

Enter the Los Angeles Lakers, who could use some star power to take a bit of pressure off an aging LeBron James and an oft-ailing Anthony Davis. If the Lakers could acquire LaVine from the Bulls without having to give up Austin Reaves, Los Angeles might deem that deal a success.

Luckily for the Lakers, such a trade is possible. By sending D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, and Gabe Vincent to Chicago for LaVine, the money would match up for both teams.

The Bulls would effectively split LaVine’s massive chunk of money into three smaller, more manageable contracts, the longest of which extends into the next two seasons (LaVine has three years left on his deal). Russell is the last thing the guard-heavy Bulls roster needs, but he’s on an expiring. Hachimura and Vincent would both provide a veteran presence in Chicago’s locker room to help with the development of its young talent.

From the Lakers’ perspective, a core of James, Anthony, Reaves, and LaVine looks really good if all four of those guys are healthy.

LaVine to the Lakers is still possible, and a trade like the above could help both Los Angeles and Chicago better fulfill their respective agendas.

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