A recent rumor has suggested that the Chicago Bulls may soon blow up their roster and trade one of their stars. However, a new report may throw cold water on their plans. According to K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports, the Bulls have found a limited trade market for their best player. While concerning for the Bulls, that could be great news for teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, and Philadelphia 76ers.Especially with each of those teams having been linked to LaVine.
The Bulls are likely seeking multiple first-round picks in exchange for LaVine, but Johnson's intel suggests that that may be unlikely at the moment. If his value doesn't improve, the Bulls will have a decision to make.
The Bulls might have to adjust their asking price for Zach LaVine.
The Bulls could hold on to Lavine and hope that his trade value eventually rises, though they would be stuck paying his exorbitant contract until it does. Or, Chicago could look to get off of his contract, get any assets they can receive for him, and proceed forward with a much-needed rebuild. If they choose the latter, the Lakers, Heat, and Sixers may look to take advantage by trying to acquire an all-star without having to dig deep into their asset stockpile.
For the Sixers, that could mean they could potentially trade Tobias Harris, a 2028 Clippers unprotected first, and a 2029 Clippers pick swap first for LaVine or perhaps this Lakers proposal. Or, the Heat may try to trade Kyle Lowry, Duncan Robinson, a 2028 unprotected first, and a 2029 pick swap for LaVine.
None of those deals could be considered overly advantageous for the Bulls but they would allow them to recoup some assets and begin a teardown. That would allow Chicago to potentially end up with a high draft pick in next year's NBA draft, while whoever acquires LaVine could give an efficient offensive star to help bolster their title chances.