Grade the Trade: Bulls deal Zach LaVine to Knicks in blockbuster proposal
By Tyler Watts
Would the Chicago Bulls accept this trade?
The Bulls should take this trade without thinking twice. They are not winning with Zach LaVine, and making this deal gives them flexibility. Chicago could take the three first-round picks and search for another star that better fits their roster or further tear things down and look to rebuild. They would be all-in on developing R.J. Barrett into a star with avenues to improve.
The Bulls have set a massive asking price on both LaVine and Alex Caruso, so it would be disappointing to see them both leave in one trade. This is Chicago’s chance to get multiple draft picks for LaVine and a young talent with All-Star potential.
The Bulls could rehab the value of Evan Fournier and try to flip him at the deadline for more draft capital. He is a proven contributor that fell out of the Knicks’ rotation, but the 30-year-old should still have something left in the tank. That gives Chicago a bit more juice in an already fruitful return.
Grade: B+
Giving up two key contributors hurts, but the New York Knicks provide the Chicago Bulls with a massive haul for the two-time All-Star. Three first-round picks are enough to acquire another All-Star or just rebuild through the draft. Adding R.J. Barrett and two more role players sways things in the Bulls’ favor.
Will Chicago make a blockbuster trade before February’s deadline? What can they get for Zach LaVine? Is it enough to trade him? Stay tuned to find out.
