Cap expert proposes trade to finally end Bulls' Zach LaVine saga

Zach LaVine's tenure with the Chicago Bulls has looked to be over for quite some time. The two-time All-Star has reportedly been available for trade for over a season. However, LaVine's $215 million contract has been a stumbling block for Chicago, with teams reluctant to absorb such a significant cap hit for a player who isn't a top-20 talent in the NBA.

As such, LaVine is expected to start the 2024-2025 season with the Bulls despite both parties being open to a split. In a recent article for Bleacher Report, cap expert Eric Pincus suggested the Los Angeles Lakers as a potential destination for LaVine, with D'Angelo Russell heading to Chicago as part of the deal.

"The Bulls want to get out of the $138 million owed to LaVine over the next three seasons. Unfortunately, injuries have diminished his value," Pincus wrote. "If Chicago can trade for D'Angelo Russell from the Los Angeles Lakers, that would likely mean LaVine is off to L.A. The Bulls don't really need a point guard like Russell, but his expiring contract would be welcome."

Russell would be unlikely to stick in Chicago. However, his expiring contract would be ideal for a rebuilding franchise looking to create flexibility ahead of the 2025 free-agent market. LaVine, on the other hand, would likely find a role with the Lakers, ideally as a third option on offense behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

LaVine has spent the past seven seasons with the Bulls, playing in 374 regular-season games and averaging 24.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists while shooting 47.1 percent from the field and 38.3 percent from three-point range.

The Lakers may be willing to look past his lofty contract if he can sustain that type of scoring production and playmaking while operating as a third star in their rotation. After all, James still wants to win and would welcome any decisions to help facilitate his goal.

Chicago may also be willing to lower its asking price for LaVine if the Lakers show a genuine interest. The franchise's inability to find a willing buyer for its star guard has likely left the front office willing to negotiate and accept a lower-than-expected return to move on from his contract and edge further toward a rebuild.

Still, there's no guarantee Rob Pelinka and the Lakers front office would have an interest in bringing LaVine to Los Angeles. However, if they do see him as a potentially valuable addition, a deal would make sense for both parties involved.