The Chicago Bulls aren’t a championship-caliber team. They have made the playoffs in one of two seasons with their current core, and this past season, they took a huge step backward. Arturas Karnisovas seems intent on competing with the current iteration of the roster, but that may not be a feasible option.
So where do they go from here? Well, KC Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago reported that league executives are “skeptical about the long-term marriage between Zach LaVine and the Bulls.” And Sam Smith of NBA.com noted that DeMar DeRozan has the “most support internally” of the Big Three members. So, maybe the best path forward is to build a new team with DeRozan at the helm.
Chicago just inked LaVine to a massive contract extension this past summer, but trading him could be the best way for them to improve significantly. With that in mind, here are three potential LaVine trades the Bulls could pull off to reshape the roster around DeRozan.
3 Zach LaVine trades to reshape the Chicago Bulls around DeMar DeRozan: Karl-Anthony Towns
Bulls receive: Karl-Anthony Towns
Timberwolves receive: Zach LaVine
You could add some draft picks, add young players to either side, or find a way to even out the value, but the general framework of this trade would benefit both sides.
The Minnesota Timberwolves made a massive mistake trading for Rudy Gobert last summer, and trading Karl-Anthony Towns in exchange for a player that fits their team better would be smart.
LaVine would provide them with an extra perimeter scorer, and his efficient scoring and ability to play off the ball could make him a nice fit alongside Anthony Edwards.
Meanwhile, the Bulls would pair DeRozan with Towns and, in tandem, would likely part ways with Vucevic. Towns would diversify Chicago’s rotation.
That said, it would be ironic for LaVine to get traded back to Minnesota after all these years.
3 Zach LaVine trades to reshape the Chicago Bulls around DeMar DeRozan: Jrue Holiday
Bulls receive: Jrue Holiday, Grayson Allen
Bucks receive: Zach LaVine, Derrick Jones Jr. (would have to pick up player option)
After the Milwaukee Bucks’ first-round elimination in this year’s playoffs, maybe there’s a chance they look to shake things up.
Obviously, Jrue Holiday is an amazing player, but swapping him for LaVine could help them improve on the offensive end, giving them an extra offensive creator.
Meanwhile, the Bulls would get the point guard they desperately need, and Holiday could facilitate for DeRozan. Plus, the deal would form an elite backcourt of Holiday and Alex Caruso, both of the two All-Defensive First Team guards from this past season.
3 Zach LaVine trades to reshape the Chicago Bulls around DeMar DeRozan: Dejounte Murray & John Collins
Bulls receive: Dejounte Murray, John Collins
Hawks receive: Zach LaVine, Two second-round picks
Just one year after making a huge splash for Dejounte Murray, this deal would see the Atlanta Hawks shift gears once again.
Both Trae Young and Murray need the ball in their hands to be at their best, so swapping out the latter for LaVine, a dominant scorer who can play off the ball, could make for a better fit.
Meanwhile, the Bulls would get a go-to point guard who could run the offense for DeRozan and a power forward in desperate need of a new situation.
