Zach LaVine, #8, Chicago Bulls (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
The Chicago Bulls might trade Zach LaVine.
The Chicago Bulls aren’t short on young stars, as Zach LaVine, Lauri Markkanen, and Coby White could, in theory, form the nucleus of a team that makes some noise in the Eastern Conference. Unfortunately, likely due to the presence of the incompetent Jim Boylen as head coach, the Bulls could be on the verge of blowing it up and trying again. The first step towards a proper rebuild involves a LaVine trade, and he has quite a few suitors out there.
Per Ian Begley of SNY, both New York teams have inquired about a LaVine trade, as they want to acquire either a tertiary star for the Kevin Durant-Kyrie Irving experience or a proven scorer that can lead a rebuilding team.
The Nets and Knicks could both use Zach LaVine.
While players like Caris LeVert and Spencer Dinwiddie have emerged as exceptional complimentary players for Brooklyn, LaVine might have a higher ceiling than both of them, and his 23.3 points per game average during his three years as a Bull show a proven record of stardom in this league. Him nailing shots from deep and attacking the rim next to Durant and Irving would make the Nets co-favorites out East.
Outside of Julius Randle and R.J. Barrett, the Knicks don’t have a ton to write home about. While smart drafting and coaching decisions are what will eventually fix this team, adding someone like LaVine could give them credibility and help them challenge for a playoff spot in a wide-open East.
The Bulls are clearly not doing enough to surround LaVine with quality teammates, coaches, and infrastructure. If Chicago things trading him is the only way to kick off a rebuild in earnest, one of the two New York teams could, and should, pounce for the former UCLA star.