The Chicago Bulls are well into their rebuild by letting DeMar DeRozan walk in free agency and dangling Zach LaVine in trade rumors. LaVine used to be one of the best shooting guards in the NBA but struggled with health in the 2023-24 season by appearing in 25 games and posting only 19.5 points per game on 34.9% from three.
LaVine still has talent and at 28 years old, can be a major help for a franchise such as the San Antonio Spurs who are trying to build a strong team around French superstar Victor Wembanyama. There is a mock trade available that can give the Spurs a co-star for Wembanyama and a perfect partner to Chris Paul in the backcourt.
Trade Details
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls Receive: Keldon Johnson, Zach Collins, Tre Jones
This trade gives Zach LaVine a fresh start with a chance to play alongside budding superstar Victor Wembanyama while the Bulls rebuild around their young core.
San Antonio Spurs Make A Trade To Boost Their Playoff Hopes
The San Antonio Spurs have been rebuilding for a few years, but adding a player like Zach LaVine could significantly accelerate their playoff push. LaVine, despite his struggles in the 2023-24 season, remains an explosive scorer with a proven track record. Before his injury-plagued campaign, LaVine posted back-to-back seasons averaging over 24 points per game, including a career-high 27.4 points per game in 2020-21 when he made the All-Star Team. His ability to shoot from deep, drive to the basket, and create his own shot would give the Spurs a dynamic offensive option alongside their young core.
Pairing LaVine with Victor Wembanyama would provide the Spurs with a potent inside-outside combination. LaVine’s ability to score off the dribble, spot up, and cut to the basket complements Wembanyama’s skill set perfectly. Additionally, LaVine has experience playing alongside veteran point guards, which would mesh well with Chris Paul’s leadership and playmaking. Paul’s career average of 9.4 assists per game would help LaVine find his rhythm and maximize his efficiency, particularly in pick-and-roll and catch-and-shoot situations.
The trade also signals the Spurs' intent to move from a purely developmental focus to a more competitive outlook. LaVine’s presence in the lineup could significantly improve the Spurs' offensive efficiency, as they ranked 26th in the NBA in offensive rating during the 2023-24 season. Adding a proven scorer who can create his own shot in crunch time would address a major weakness. Moreover, with the Spurs looking to build a competitive culture, bringing in a former All-Star like LaVine aligns with their goal of making a playoff push.
Chicago Bulls Continue Their Rebuild
For the Chicago Bulls, moving on from Zach LaVine is a clear signal that they are committed to a full rebuild. After letting DeMar DeRozan leave in free agency, the Bulls have the opportunity to focus on younger talent and build around a new core. In return for LaVine, the Bulls acquire Keldon Johnson, Zach Collins, and Tre Jones — all of whom are under 27 years old and have shown potential in their respective roles. Johnson, in particular, has been a bright spot for the Spurs, averaging 18.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game over the last two seasons. His two-way play style would provide the Bulls with versatility on both ends of the floor.
Zach Collins adds another dimension to the Bulls' frontcourt with his ability to stretch the floor and provide interior defense. Collins, who averaged 11.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks per game in the 2023-24 season, could be a solid piece for the Bulls moving forward, especially if he can stay healthy. Tre Jones, meanwhile, brings a steady hand at point guard. Known for his defense and playmaking, Jones posted 6.2 assists and 1.0 steals per game last season, showing potential as a reliable floor general for the Bulls.
The haul allows the Bulls to retool with three young, promising players, along with the potential for further moves to accumulate assets. This approach gives the Bulls a chance to develop their new core in a low-pressure environment, with a focus on building long-term success. The draft picks and potential cap space created by these moves would also give Chicago more flexibility to shape its roster in the coming years.
A Major Deal For The Spurs To Give Victor Wembanyama Help
Victor Wembanyama is viewed as the future face of the NBA, and the San Antonio Spurs understand the need to surround him with talent that complements his unique skill set. Zach LaVine provides exactly that, as his scoring ability can alleviate some of the offensive burden from Wembanyama, allowing the young star to focus on his all-around development.
With his blend of shooting, athleticism, and experience, LaVine is an ideal fit next to Wembanyama, who averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and a league-leading 3.6 blocks per game while making the All-NBA Defensive Team as a rookie. This pairing could give the Spurs one of the most dynamic duos in the Western Conference.
Moreover, LaVine's presence could open up the floor for Wembanyama to operate in the post or utilize his mid-range game more effectively. Defenses would no longer be able to collapse on Wembanyama in the paint, knowing that LaVine, a career 38.2% shooter from three, can make them pay from beyond the arc. In addition, Chris Paul’s ability to orchestrate the offense would ensure that both LaVine and Wembanyama receive their optimal touches in high-percentage areas, creating a well-balanced attack.
This trade also emphasizes the Spurs' intention to provide Wembanyama with veteran help as he grows into his role as a franchise cornerstone. LaVine, despite his injuries, has playoff experience and understands the demands of being a top option. This could prove invaluable for a young team looking to establish a winning culture.
