Three days into February, Luka Doncic is a Los Angeles Laker, Anthony Davis is a Dallas Maverick, De'Aaron Fox is a San Antonio Spur, and Zach LaVine is a Sacramento King. The whirlwind of moves has us at a loss for words. While the Doncic-for-Davis swap is incomprehensible, the three-team trade involving the Bulls, Kings, and Spurs is quite the opposite.
Fox made it known that San Antonio was his preferred destination. The Bulls were obvious sellers ahead of the February 6 deadline—dangling LaVine and just about the entire roster. Lastly, the Spurs said to be looking at an upgrade at point guard, were all in on acquiring Fox to pair with Victor Wembanyama.
Thus, the three-team trade came to fruition. Chicago didn't just tap the rebuild button, Arturas Karnisovas and the Bulls' Front Office mashed it. LaVine is jettisoned, and the return is rather minimal. Arguably the most important returning asset is the Bulls' own 2025 first-round pick.
Grading the trade that sent Zach LaVine to the Kings
Aside from Fox, LaVine, and one first-rounder, numerous moving pieces were included in this three-team swap. The trade involved seven players, four first-rounders, and three second-round picks.
The Bulls acquired Zach Collins, Tre Jones, and their own 2025 first-rounder from the Spurs and Kevin Huerter from the Kings. The Spurs added Fox and Jordan McLaughlin. Sacramento received LaVine from Chicago and Sidy Cissoko from San Antonio, in addition to three first-rounders and three seconds (one from the Bulls).
Grading the trade for the San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs are the clear winners of this trade. San Antonio only had to dole out three players, one earning an exorbitant amount compared to his play (Collins), and only one of its future first-round picks. The 2025 first-round pick via Charlotte will ultimately convey to a second-rounder—as it's top-14 protected, and the Hornets currently own the fourth-worst record in the NBA.
Somehow, the Spurs retained all but one of their future first-rounders. The lone pick San Antonio no longer controls is a 2027 first-rounder when franchise centerpiece Wembanyama will be 23 and Fox 29—no big deal. Finally, the 2031 first-rounder via Minnesota is so distant that it'll likely be rerouted again.
Besides the lack of draft capital San Antonio sent out, the Spurs didn't have to part with any key players. San Antonio retained Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan, and even Keldon Johnson. The Spurs shipped off reserves Jones, Collins, and Cissoko, who combined to average around 31 minutes per contest.
In return, the Spurs receive one of the better point guards in the NBA. Although Fox lacks accolades, he's a career 21.5 point-per-game scorer who's routinely averaged six or more assists. Fox is dangerous in transition and as a pick-and-roll ball handler. His extreme speed and mid-range proficiency make him one of the toughest covers in the NBA. A Fox-Wembanyama pairing is awe-inspiring.
Grading the trade for the Sacramento Kings
The Kings didn't necessarily get fleeced, but receiving only two first-rounders is a tough pill to swallow. However, Sacramento acquired LaVine! The 6-foot-5 swingman's counting stats are slightly below Fox's, but his efficiency is head and shoulders above. LaVine shoots 51.1 percent from the floor and 44.6 percent from beyond the arc. Fox, in comparison, is converting 46.9 percent of his field goals and 32.2 percent of his triples. The former Bull adds a different dimension to a team that ranks in the bottom 10 in three-point makes, attempts, and efficiency.
After acquiring DeMar DeRozan in the offseason, the expectation was that the Kings' offense would be in for a drastic change. The 35-year-old is notoriously three-point averse and lives in the mid-range. Furthermore, Domantas Sabonis isn't much of a volume shooter either. More than 80 percent of Sabonis' field goal attempts come from the two-point variety.
Sacramento will swap LaVine for Fox in its starting lineup. The loss of Fox as a distributor looms large. The Kings will likely start combo guard Monk at the point. Fortunately for the Kings, DeRozan, Monk, Sabonis, and LaVine are above-average playmakers. The foursome average 4.5 or more assists per game.
Besides Fox, Sacramento is only giving up Huerter and McLaughlin. Huerter has struggled this season, converting only 30.2 percent of his triples, while McLaughlin is merely a third-point guard. The only drawback here is the lack of draft capital the Kings pried from the well-compensated Spurs. Although Fox stated his preferred destination, previous trades have netted more draft picks.
Grading the trade for the Chicago Bulls
The Bulls are the losers here. Chicago is essentially the facilitator in this trade. However, the facilitator isn't normally one to jettison a borderline All-Star to grease the wheels. Chicago sent LaVine to Sacramento, only receiving one draft pick and a bevy of reserves in return.
Of course, the talk had always come back to LaVine's bloated contract. The swingman is slated to earn north of $130 million over the next three campaigns. LaVine's value cratered after an injury-riddled 2023-24 season. He regained most of his lost value, but ducking trading for exorbitant contracts is all the rage in the NBA.
Nevertheless, LaVine is playing up to his $43 million standard. He's an incredible shooter and graceful athlete. Although he's almost 30, there are no signs he's slowing down. LaVine has drilled 136 three-pointers and thrown down 36 dunks. At best, He's an offensive hub, and a pessimistic view paints LaVine as a top complimentary scorer on a championship-level team.
Sure, the Bulls have relinquished paying the 29-year-old guard $138 million, but at what cost? Chicago added three players, two of which will still be on the books following the season. Acquiring draft compensation and expiring contracts would have been the ideal scenario. Also, whatever happened to the Nuggets' interest? Michael Porter Jr. would have been a nice consolation prize.