Top Zach LaVine trade the Bulls can make with the Raptors
Nobody knows what Toronto will do before the trade deadline. Fred VanVleet was on an expiring contract last season, but the Raptors added Jakob Poeltl at the deadline. They went on to miss the playoffs before FVV left for Houston. Toronto re-signed Poeltl in the offseason, but a similar dilemma awaits before Feb. 8.
Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, and Gary Trent Jr. can all become unrestricted free agents in the summer. The Raptors are 10-14 after 25 games and barely clinging to tenth in the Eastern Conference. Masai Ujiri needs to pick a lane. It is time to upgrade their roster and push for the playoffs or sell off to jumpstart a rebuild.
If they are buyers, the Raptors will likely look for another ball-handler who can get buckets. LaVine will certainly be available, and Toronto could offer a strong package.
The Bulls get a first-round draft pick and two players they could flip before the deadline for additional capital. The Raptors gave up a first-rounder and two seconds to land Poeltl. Chicago may not get the same package, but the seven-footer will draw interest. Trent Jr. is having a down season but can score 15 points per game and shoot 38 percent from 3-point range.
This is unlikely to be the best package the Bulls receive, and the Raptors may finally decide to tear things down and rebuild. It is certainly a situation worth monitoring as this trade would have to wait until Poeltl is eligible to be moved on Jan. 15.