5 Players Bulls might replace Zach LaVine with by the trade deadline

The Chicago Bulls put Zach LaVine on the trade block this summer. He is no stranger to hearing his name in the rumors, but the franchise did not find a suitable deal for the two-time All-Star. LaVine wants to lead the Bulls back to the playoffs, but this is a crossroads season in the Windy City.

The Bulls re-signed Nikola Vucevic this summer, but Lonzo Ball has already been ruled out of the year. Chicago has missed the playoffs five times in the last six seasons, and DeMar DeRozan is in the final year of his contract. The Bulls have to extend or explore trading DeRozan. If not, they risk losing him for zero return next summer.

There could be a massive sale in the Windy City before the deadline. If the Bulls are struggling, it is time to blow it up and rebuild. Their current roster has a ceiling and no franchise wants to be a fringe playoff team. Zach LaVine could be on the move, but what can the Bulls get in return?

5. Jonathan Kuminga

If the Bulls decide to finally rebuild, their front office will be searching for young talent and draft capital in return for LaVine. The two-time All-Star is an elite scorer who boosts any offense in the league. Contending teams have interest, but Chicago has set a massive asking price.

Realistically, the Bulls will be lucky to get a young talent, salary-matchers, and two first-round draft picks. The Golden State Warriors are all-in on winning a championship in 2024, but would they be willing to entertain the idea of acquiring Zach LaVine? If things with Chris Paul are going poorly, Chicago could offer their two-time All-Star guard as an alternative in the Dubs title chase.

Jonathan Kuminga was the seventh overall pick in 2021 and has immense potential. Could the Bulls help unlock it? If Chicago believes he can be a starter for the next 15 years, they may have interest. The Chicago Bulls may opt for a young talent better suited for handling the ball and getting buckets.