New York Knicks: Lonzo Ball and 4 other win-now trade targets

Trade target No. 2: Zach LaVine

Zach LaVine is one of those players that is “too good for his own team”. The New York Knicks have been consistently better than the Chicago Bulls this season, who are currently being dragged by a rope, at the hands of LaVine.

Thibodeau and LaVine have in fact worked together in the past. During the 2016-17 season, LaVine flourished under Thibs, growing from a dunker to a scorer. Their collaboration came to an end in the following summer, as the Timberwolves used him to acquire Jimmy Butler.

LaVine is on a very friendly contract, given his production, and is owed $39 million until the summer of 2022. Adding him to the New York Knicks would certainly bring back the excitement in Madison Square Garden as he is extremely fun to watch.

So why exactly would the Bulls be interested in giving up such a household name? Despite having drafted adequately in these past few years, their frontcourt doesn’t appear to be the sharpest and could use some improvement.

An offer of Julius Randle and Kevin Knox, perhaps along with a draft pick, should be enough to seal the deal. Both these players under team control until 2022, Chicago can continue rebuilding from within, while maintaining financial flexibility, a must for a big-market team.

Even though he is primarily known as one of the worst defenders around the league, working under Thibodeau is bound to change that for LaVine. If he were to improve upon that severe weakness of his, then the word “superstar” might come into play.