Chicago Bulls trade rumors: Accept or walk away?
Despite having a contract many see as untradable, the Nuggets would be adding a two-time All-Star alongside three-time MVP Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. LaVine could easily fit in to the roster as the third or even 2b option, reducing the workload, while arguably having the best player in the world next to him. LaVine would thrive alongside a distributor like Joikc, allowing him do what he does best on the court.
With the Nuggets losing several key players from their 2023 championship team, adding LaVine would give them a boost in several areas while moving on from another contract many see as impossible to trade. Entering the third year of his five-year, $179 million deal, Michael Porter Jr. has taking a dip from his 2023 championship season.
In his healthiest season in the league so far, Porter averaged 16.7 PPG and 7.0 RPG in 81 games. Porter struggled in the 2024 playoffs, having five single-digit scoring games in the second round against the Minnesota Timberwolves. While he makes $35 million this upcoming season, $38 million in the 2025-26 season, and $40 million in the 2026-27 season, Porter's deal is more palatable than LaVine's and will become even more so in the coming years.
While acquiring MPJ could be an issue for the Bulls, he could become a valuable asset for the team whether its moving forward with the team or building his stock to be traded for picks or other promising young players. Adding Zeke Nnaji to the deal would be key for making the salaries match, adding his 8.8 million contract to Porter's $35.8 million.
Nnaji has not done much in his four seasons with the Nuggets, averaging just 3.2 PPG and 2.2 RPG. in just under 10 minutes per game, but he could be valuable to the Bulls. With Bulls big man Nikola Vucevic rumored in trades, Nnaji could slide into that center role behind Jalen Smith while being on a good deal for a Bulls team looking to avoid the luxury tax.
Watching the Nuggets potentially using the Bulls' high draft pick in 2029 would be difficult, but if Chicago really wants to end the LaVine saga, getting back a good player while only giving up a pick swap might be the best deal they can get.