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2021 NBA Trade deadline: Bradley Beal and four players who need rescuing

By Larry Hammonds

Feb 6, 2019; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) argues with Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) following a play during the first quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2019; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) argues with Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) following a play during the first quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA trade deadline (Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports)
NBA trade deadline (Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports) /

NBA trade deadline rescue candidate No. 4: Zach LaVine

Traded from one rebuilding team to another, Zach LaVine has played on bad teams his entire career. Not much good has happened within the Chicago Bulls organization in the last four years, other than LaVine.

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Lakers steal Bulls last chance at a free agency splash
Lakers steal Bulls last chance at a free agency splash /

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    • Much like other teams in the bottom of the league, the Bulls’ recent draft picks have not panned out as they had hoped. While Lauri has shown promise and is enjoying a bounce-back season playing under Billy Donovan, he’s been plagued by injuries, and he’s inconsistent when healthy. Wendell Carter Jr has also dealt with injuries, and Coby White is more of a shooting guard; he doesn’t fit the playmaking role needed alongside Zach LaVine.

    Meanwhile, LaVine has developed into a bonafide star right in front of our very eyes. He’s improved his production and efficiency every year since joining the Bulls. Currently, he’s averaging 28.3 points, 5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, all career-highs. His .527/.438/.866 shooting splits are also career-highs. The only other person averaging at least 28 points, 5 boards, and 4 assists while shooting at least 43 percent from behind the arc is Kevin Durant.

    If the Bulls aren’t going to pull off some unforeseen blockbuster trade, they aren’t going to be good for at least a few more years, and it would be in his best interest to get out of dodge. With one more year left on his contract with Chicago, LaVine will likely get traded by next year’s trade deadline unless the Bulls somehow convince him to sign an extension.