Chicago Bulls: 3 trade packages with the Lakers for Kyle Kuzma
This trade deal between the Lakers and Chicago Bulls would mean that LA likely has to waive or buyout one of the players deeper down their bench. But given the Lakers need to add a defensive stopper at point guard that can play in a seventh or eighth man role, the 6-foot-4 former lottery pick Kris Dunn should be a great fit and worth the buyout of another player.
Maybe John Paxson and Gar Forman have to take on an extra contract to buyout from the Lakers to get this potential trade deal done on the Bulls end. That is also worth it on the Bulls end since it would likely involve taking on the money of either small forward Jared Dudley or shooting guard Troy Daniels before they could be waived.
And the Lakers should also be happy with the contributions that the two-way second-year small forward Chandler Hutchison could give them off the bench. Hutch is showing more promise this season than he did last, including shooting at a much better clip from beyond the three-point line (41.7 percent) and the advanced numbers show a slight progression on defense (+0.6 improvement in defensive box plus/minus rating from his rookie season).
What also helps the Bulls trading Hutch in this package to land Kuzma is the fact that he’s back healthy and in the rotation for head coach Jim Boylen. The injury factor could hold back the value of Hutch, but if he can prove to stay in the mix for a consistent stretch this season then those worries might fade away.