The Chicago Bulls bring back the same core from last season, the same great players who failed to carry the team to the postseason.
That includes the Bulls’ highest-paid player, Zach LaVine, who had an excellent season, averaging 24.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists while shooting 48 percent from the field, including 37 percent from the field. deep.
The Bulls’ decision to reverse course could torpedo the team’s chances of building for the future.
After all, LaVine just completed the first year of a five-year, $215 million contract, meaning the Bulls will be taxed under his contract for several more years.
However, if the team can make a move that would improve the franchise’s competitive chances in the short and long term, they might consider taking a chance.
Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report recently put together a trade that could make sense for the Bulls.
The Bulls receive Tyler Herro for Zach LaVine
According to Buckley, the mock trade would send Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson and top prospect Nikola Jovic to the Bulls in exchange for LaVine and talented prospect Dalen Terry.
This could work for the Bulls given Herro’s prolific offensive production (20.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists) and his age (23).
“This trade package is somewhat forward-looking, but not in a way that would spoil the final glory years of DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic,” Buckley wrote.
Anyone who has watched the Bulls in recent seasons is also aware of the form issues of the so-called “Big 3” and trading LaVine for Herro could be a profitable move for the team, especially if they want to compete in the competition. . future.
Additional pieces
Robinson would also significantly improve his three-point shooting on a Bulls team that has desperately needed it all season.
After a dismal regular season, the six-year pro came back to life in the NBA playoffs and played a major role in the Heat’s Finals appearance.
Jovic is now a young big man who can soon become a rotation player for the club. Even though he only played 15 games as a rookie last season, he has proven that he is capable of putting up numbers when given minutes.
