While the Chicago Bulls may not be a championship-caliber team, they aren’t planning on tearing things down anytime soon. Arturas Karnisovas said as much during his post-season press conference. However, running back the same core will likely lead to the same middling results.
It’s very unlikely to happen, but the Bulls would probably be better off hitting the reset button and getting a haul for their stars. They could get a great mix of young players and draft assets in exchange for Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and even Alex Caruso. In a recent article. Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report suggested a deal that would flip LaVine to the Orlando Magic.
Trading LaVine now would likely maximize the return Chicago could get back for him, and the trade Swartz came up with would give them some great pieces to work with moving forward.
Chicago Bulls mock Zach LaVine trade to Orlando Magic: The trade
Here’s the full outline of Swartz’s proposed trade:
Bulls receive: Jalen Suggs, Gary Harris, Jonathan Isaac, 2023 first-round pick (No. 11 overall), 2025 first-round pick (lottery-protected)
Magic receive: Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls mock Zach LaVine trade to Orlando Magic: Bulls perspective
Swartz believes this would be a logical first step for the Bulls should they choose to begin a rebuild.
“If the Bulls decide to rebuild, flipping LaVine for young talent and draft picks is one of the first steps.
“Suggs, 21, was the No. 5 overall pick in 2021 and would immediately slide into LaVine’s old starting spot,” Swartz wrote. “Harris is a reliable 3-and-D wing and Isaac is still only 25 after missing most of the past three seasons with injuries.
“Chicago gets its own first-round pick back this year (11th overall) and a future pick from Orlando as well.”
Chicago Bulls mock Zach LaVine trade to Orlando Magic: Magic perspective
Meanwhile, he believes the Magic could be ready to take a step forward, and LaVine would help them do that.
“The Magic look ready to make the playoff leap next season with continued internal growth,” Swartz wrote. “Of course, a trade for a two-time All-Star like LaVine would speed things up as well.
“LaVine, 28, averaged 24.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists and shot 37.5 percent from three this season. Put him in a starting lineup with Markelle Fultz, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr. and suddenly opponents would have a real fear of facing the Magic.”
Chicago Bulls mock Zach LaVine trade to Orlando Magic: Should Bulls make this trade?
If this trade came across the Bulls’ desk, they should jump at the opportunity to make it.
Suggs would give them a great young point guard to build up and develop. Harris would give them some nice guard depth, and Isaac could be a nice piece to take a chance on.
But most importantly, the Bulls would trade up into this year’s draft lottery and add another future first. Those picks would be crucial to their future.
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Story originally appeared on Lonzo Wire