The future is murky for the Chicago Bulls heading into the ’23-24 season. The team has underperformed in recent years, and it’s unclear how long Chicago will proceed with this core, or if they even should at all. By some accounts, the team has one of the “most confusing” rosters in the Association, but at the same time, there’s been no shortage of Bulls trade rumors this offseason. Could a blockbuster move be on the horizon in the Windy City?
As the relationship between James Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers front office continues to deteriorate, Chicago has been pegged as a possible team to swoop in and swing a deal. According to the online sportsbook BetOnline AG, the Bulls are now a +600 to land the disgruntled Harden, the second highest odds in the entire NBA. In fact, only the Los Angeles Clippers (-250) are pegged as a more likely destination for the former MVP.
The Clippers are reportedly still Harden’s preferred destination, but Philadelphia looks set to maximize their own return in a possible trade rather than prioritize Harden’s desires. Still, Harden has ties to Bulls veteran DeMar DeRozan, which could be a motivating factor if he choses to put his thumb on the scale, and Chicago has meaningful assets available for any big ticket trade. This could be a chance for the Bulls to pounce.
Chicago has its own future to consider, and as of late, that means deciding what to do with All-Star guard Zach LaVine. Multiple reports have suggested the Bulls have at least poked around this summer in considering a possible trade. Given Philadelphia’s expectations for any possible Harden trade package, it’s likely LaVine would be included in such a deal.
LaVine is set to begin year two of a five-year, $215 million contract. Financially, a LaVine for Harden deal is pretty straightforward. Chicago could afford to take back Harden’s $35.6 million contract while still absorbing the additional $860 thousand in salary necessary to complete the transaction.
Harden, DeRozan, and Nikola Vucevic would become an interesting trio for the Bulls. Last season Harden led the NBA in assists, and his playmaking would likely help Chicago find more solid footing in the Eastern Conference standings. LaVine, meanwhile, could help take some pressure off of Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid and give the Sixers a bit of athletic pop.
Even if this era has been underwhelming for Chicago, a team that finished 40-42 last season, LaVine is one of the best young players in the NBA. Parting ways with LaVine for a single year of Harden represents a risky move for the Bulls. If the team does indeed want to move on from the former UCLA Bruin, there may be more interesting trade packages available.
That said, if Chicago does land Harden, the team would be in position to clear the decks almost entirely next summer. The Bulls could let both Harden and DeRozan walk in free agency, opening up huge chunks of cap space and paving the way for a real pivot for the organization. The team would be left with limited assets but a chance to make a splash during the ’24 offseason regardless.
Story originally appeared on Lonzo Wire