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Head coach Billy Donovan of the Chicago Bulls.
THE Chicago Bulls explored the move Zach LaVine at the last two commercial deadlines but to no avail for a myriad of reasons.
Could a trade for another polarizing and oft-injured All-Star be in order?
“Brooklyn is the ideal destination for LaVine, a franchise that needs a little oomph and has no incentive to tank,” Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz wrote 29 February.
“Assuming LaVine fully recovers from his foot surgery and returns to his All-Star level of play, the 28-year-old could serve as the primary scorer and playmaker for a Nets team that already has plenty of defensive talent . If there are concerns about LaVine’s ability to shut down opponents, put him in a starting lineup that includes Mikal Bridges And Nicholas Claxton this would help alleviate these concerns.
Swartz presents a hypothetical trade of LaVine for Ben Simmons and capital project.
Bulls get:
-Ben Simmons
– 2029 first round pick (via DAL)
– 2026 second round pick
– 2028 second round pick
The nets get:
–Zach LaVine
Simmons, 27, was the No. 1 pick in the 2016 draft. He is a three-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA. He was named Rookie of the Year and named to the All-Rookie Team, and he led the league in interceptions in 2019-20.
However, that was at least three seasons ago for Simmons. A back injury and mental health issues completely wiped out his 2021 season.
He played 42 games last season, none after the All-Star breakthanks to a back injury.
Simmons has only made 15 appearances this season as he has struggled with injuries. His performance is now a fraction of what it was when he played. He averaged 6.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.2 steals per game during the season. the last two years.
The most interesting part of his addition is that he would be entering the final year of his five-year, $177.2 million contract.
THE Dallas Mavericks‘the choice could be precious amidst uncertainty around Luka Doncic.
The Bulls struggled to find a trade for Zach LaVine
The Bulls brass got of no interest by moving LaVine on a salary dump, a concept that was rumored at the deadline with no movement on a trade for the two-time All-Star. He had suffered a foot injury in addition to subpar play thus far.
LaVine has since been ruled out for the season following foot surgery that put the final nail in a potential trade with the Detroit Pistons.
Her five-year pact of $215.1 million only exacerbated the problem. LaVine owes just under $138 million over the next three years. This includes a $48.9 million player option for the 2026-27 season.
Lonzo Ball shows off some movement in new video
The Bulls could position themselves to clear more than $60 million off their books after next season if they acquire Simmons, as Swartz’s hypothetical scenario suggests. Lonzo ball will earn $20.5 million in the final year of a four-year, $80 million contract which also expires in 2025.
The Bulls have laid the foundations to get Ball’s salary wiped off the books before then. But they might not need it.
Following reports from increased worry During his recovery, Ball released a new workout video.
“I can’t cut it yet either,” said the Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times published on X, formerly Twitter, on February 29. “I watched him do jumps when he was in Chicago. It looked very awkward. A long road still ahead of him.
Cowley broke the news Bulls’ concerns that Ball had not started introducing himself as head coach Billy Donovan said they had hoped.
Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com with a focus on the Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Vikings. He has covered the NBA and NFL since 2016, including on FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He is based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck Learn more about Josh Buckhalter
