Chicago Bulls: Zach LaVine for Ben Simmons swap should not be considered

The Chicago Bulls enter the 2021 NBA offseason with a number of things needing to be addressed. The same can be said for the Philadelphia 76ers after they lost in the Eastern Conference semifinals in frustrating fashion.

Most notable for the 76ers was the performance of franchise player Ben Simmons. He struggled mightily, to the point that many believe he may have played his last game as a 76er.

Is that an overreaction? Not entirely. Simmons was more than a liability on the offensive end for his team. During game seven he passed on an open layup late in the game to get the ball to a teammate in the mid-range. Simply laying it up would have tied the game.

It was more than just one play, though. It was a trend throughout the series and playoffs in general. In addition to his lack of perimeter shooting that we are all familiar with, Simmons struggled immensely at the charity stripe in the playoffs.

Over the course of the seven-game series with the Atlanta Hawks, Simmons connected on 15 of his 45 free throw attempts. With Joel Embiid leading the 6ers it makes sense that they would explore potential trades for Simmons this offseason.

That is where the Bulls come in.

Chicago Bulls should pass on a Zach LaVine – Ben Simmons swap

Our friends at The Sixer Sense proposed a few trade targets for Simmons and included a potential offer for each of them.

The offer for the Bulls all-star guard was Simmons, Shake Milton and a 2023 Protected 1st Round Pick. Thaddeus Young joined LaVine in being sent to the 76ers.

The offer makes a ton of sense from the 76ers side of things and is not a bad offer all things considered. Unfortunately for Philadelphia, the Bulls need to pass on such an offer without much debate at all.

Not that Simmons is not a special talent. He is certainly that and I actually believe in his game and ability to turn things around moving forward.

The Bulls need to pass for a few reasons. First, they committed to the LaVine and Nikola Vucevic path at the trade deadline this season. If the Vooch trade never happened, maybe it would be something worth considering.

Second, the Bulls need to show a commitment to LaVine as the star player and face of the franchise. This is meaningful to him, as well as other star players around the league. It’s time for the front office in Chicago to be viewed positively by players around the league.

The Bulls front office needs to be focused on building around their ‘homegrown’ star instead of flipping him at the first possible opportunity. The upside Simmons comes with also presents new obstacles. The Bulls are simply better off building around LaVine.

Remember, LaVine has continuously improved every year of his career. He is a dynamite scorer and the player the Bulls need to build around.

For those reasons, the Bulls need to pass on any real discussion with the 76ers regarding a LaVine-Simmons swap. Focus on building around LaVine, Vooch and Patrick Williams. There is a bright future around the corner for the Bulls, and that future doesn’t include the ultra-talented Simmons.