The Chicago Bulls may have just been handed a lifeline in their pursuit of a Zach LaVine trade, as a desperate franchise attempting to cling to championship relevancy is (somewhat surprisingly) more intrigued with acquiring LaVine than Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler, according to a recent report.
The Butler Saga has devolved to the point of no return, and along with it his trade value. Miami has apparently lowered its asking price as the organization is simply ready to move on from the headache its wing has created.
Another whiney NBA star gets his way.
But this time, that could be beneficial for a Bulls franchise attempting to trade its own once-untradeable asset.
Golden State Warriors exploring Zach LaVine as Jimmy Butler alternative
According to Anthony Slater and Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic, some in the Warriors organization are becoming more intrigued by LaVine and his fit in Golden State than Butler's.
Now that the Heat's asking price has come down, the Warriors re-entered the fray on Butler, in the process exploring a similar deal that might land Chicago's star guard instead.
At 23-23 heading toward the trade deadline, Golden State isn't completely out of the playoff picture, but isn't a title contender either. And there's understandably no plan to rebuild around Stephen Curry in his twilight years.
Hence, General Manager Mike Dunleavy's attempts at finding a Curry running mate without mortgaging the farm or rocking the culture boat Golden State has developed during the Hall of Fame point guard's time with the franchise.
That's where LaVine and his All-Star caliber 2024-25 season come in, per Thompson and Slater:
"If such a deal is possible, the idea of LaVine joining [the Warriors] has prompted some intrigue among key stakeholders. The presumption is he’d be a better fit in said culture. ... There is some understanding and alignment from all levels of the Warriors organization that they lack a true second scorer next to Curry, and LaVine’s explosive three-level scoring ability would fill the roster’s largest void."Anthony Slater, Marcus Thompson II
The duo adds that Golden State is prepared to add its 2025 first-round pick as a sweetener in any deal that would be built around the salaries of Andrew Wiggins, Gary Payton II and Kevon Looney.
While a late first-round selection isn't wildly attractive, it would be more beneficial to the Bulls than most other teams. As Chicago owes its own first-rounder to the San Antonio Spurs through 2027, it would give the front office a pick to potentially trade while still fulfilling the Stepien Rule. Or, as a rebuilding franchise, it would simply allow the Bulls another crack at a top-30 prospect.
For what it's worth, the Warriors' reported interest in Nikola Vucevic is also touched on in the story, so that's another option for both teams to consider should a LaVine deal fall through.
All-in-all, good news for Chicago.