2. Zach LaVine, Shooting Guard
The production for the 6-foot-6 and 180 pound former UCLA Bruins shooting guard Zach LaVine just keeps getting better and better. The Bulls got the best season to date from LaVine in the 2019-20 campaign that was prior to the COVID-19 pandemic-induced hiatus. LaVine played in 60 of the 65 games total for the Bulls during the 2019-20 regular season.
In those 60 games played, LaVine averaged 25.5 points per game, 4.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.5 blocks. He shot 45.0 percent from the field, 38.0 percent from beyond the arc, and 80.2 percent from the free-throw line. That amounted to a career-high 2.5 box plus/minus rating, 2.4 value over replacement player rating, .092 win shares per 48 minutes, 4.0 total win shares, a 19.5 player efficiency rating, and a 56.8 true shooting percentage.
The usage for LaVine by the current Bulls head coach Jim Boylen did actually improve a bit in the season that was. LaVine continued to see a higher usage rate (career-high 31.7 percent this season), but it improved his overall efficiency. His steal percentage finally got into the twos (2.0). And his three-point attempt rate was at the highest point it ever was in his run with the Bulls (40.4 percent).
What is also working in the Bulls favor in terms of the trade value that LaVine brings to the table is his contract. Given that he performed nearly at an All-Star caliber level this season, his $18 million price tag isn’t all that bad. And LaVine should just be entering his prime years now. All-around, LaVine brings a lot of value for the Bulls in the trade market.