The NBA trade market is rife with speculation about players the Chicago Bulls could trade away, but what about them pivoting to another NBA superstar who may want to play for them? With Zach LaVine reportedly available for trade, the Bulls could try to trade him for a future cornerstone from the New Orleans Pelicans.
With Zion Williamson’s recent video discussing a possible future with the Bulls, it’s worth considering how that could happen through trade in today’s NBA. It’s difficult to find a deal that works for everyone, but the Miami Heat could swoop in and sign Zach LaVine to make this happen.
Trade Details:
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, Nikola Jovic, 2026 First-Round Pick (CHI), 2027 First-Round Pick (MIA), 2028 First-Round Pick (CHI)
Miami Heat Receive: Zach LaVine, Larry Nance Jr.
Chicago Bulls: Zion Williamson, Kira Lewis Jr.
With Zion looking healthy and delivering on the court, this could be the ideal time for a previously disgruntled Pelicans front office to part ways with him in exchange for a slew of draft picks and valuable young players. The Heat get a legitimate scorer as well as a versatile big man, while the Bulls get their first superstar since Jimmy Butler.
The Pelicans Refocus on Winning Strategies
The Pelicans have had an inconsistent start to the season, dealing with various injuries to role players across the roster. Zion has been active and healthy, averaging 22.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. The Pelicans have a future as an NBA contender thanks to Brandon Ingram’s outstanding performances. But, given Zion’s known fragility and the Pelicans’ front office’s dissatisfaction with him, now is the time to move him for a high return.
Tyler Herro was averaging 22.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists before suffering an ankle injury, but he is expected to return in a few weeks. The Heat won without him in the playoffs and have a 7-5 record since he was injured, indicating that Herro isn’t essential to their winning ways. The Pelicans can capitalize on Herro’s proven scoring ability by forming an offensive trio with CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram.
Duncan Robinson adds a floor-spacing option to a lethal outside shooting team led by two combo guards. Herro has shown signs of defensive improvement despite his small stature, and he has the potential to become a primary option for the Pelicans. Along with the picks, it ensures the Pelicans’ future, especially with players like Trey Murphy III, Dyson Daniels, and Herb Jones on the roster.
The Heat of Miami Get the Offense Star They Required
The Heat are consistently one of the most difficult teams to beat in the NBA, despite not having the league’s best offense. They have tough offensive options like Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, but neither can get consistent buckets, especially during the 82-game regular season grind. Zach LaVine excels at this, and it would add another dimension to the Heat’s relatively stagnant offense.
LaVine is currently averaging 21.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, and his effort has been called into question since his trade request. If a trade to Miami re-energizes LaVine and forces him to adapt to Heat culture, we may see flashes of the defender we saw during the first few months of the 2021-22 season, when the Bulls were among the best teams in the league, with LaVine playing behind defenders like Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso.
Larry Nance Jr. gives the Heat a versatile big man who won’t have to rely on Kevin Love’s production in the frontcourt. Nance can serve as Adebayo’s backup in small-ball lineups or as the power forward next to him. He’s averaging 3.5 points and 4.1 rebounds this season, but he’s also a solid defender who can stretch the floor on occasion.
The Bulls Surprise the World
With the recent video of Zion discussing his desire to play in Chicago and Giannis Antetokounmpo previously stating his desire to play for the Bulls, it’s clear that the franchise continues to entice stars across the league. Chicago is a massive media market and was the NBA home of Michael Jordan, so the allure may last despite on-court struggles. As a result, rather than resigning themselves to being a bottom-of-the-barrel East team for the foreseeable future while rebuilding, they can put their chips in the middle for Zion Williamson.
The Bulls will have to be cautious because of Zion’s injury concerns, but it’s clear that the franchise has avoided tanking after providing their fans with very little on-court success in the previous seven to eight seasons. It would be an incredible move to pivot to acquiring Zion, who was once hailed as the NBA’s future face. Because they have a weak roster, they can use the assets that the Heat would send for LaVine and pepper it with additional draft picks for New Orleans.
The team could finish the season with DeMar DeRozan and hope to make a playoff run, but they will most likely trade DeMar for a starting point guard, though adding Kira Lewis Jr. could be a long-term bet that pays off. Nikola Vucevic would complement Zion but may raise defensive concerns as he matures. The Bulls’ acquisition of Zion gives them the one piece they can definitively build around.
The NBA Would Be Upended By This Trade
Zion being traded would be one of the biggest trades in recent years, but the destination, the Bulls, was not widely expected. This trade is unlikely, but it could be an unconventional way for three teams to move forward in the league. The Pelicans have a very talented young roster, and combining assets for a major win-now move without someone as injury-prone and inconsistent as Zion would be a positive step.
The Heat would need to address their depth at point guard behind Kyle Lowry, and Lowry’s salary could be combined with a pick in a two-for-one deal to bolster their depth. Miami would have roster issues to address, but it gives them a backup option behind Butler who could thrive in that role and setting at this point in his career. LaVine could be the piece that propels them from the middle of the pack to the front of the East race.
If the Bulls make this deal, it will be the first step in a roster reshuffle, but they are well-equipped to make additional changes in order to field a legitimate contender in 2024-25. Maybe Lonzo Ball will return next season and resurrect his highlight-reel partnership with Zion in an unexpected Bulls resurgence.
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