NBA Trades: Warriors throw caution to the wind in a risky proposed deal with Bulls
By Cal Durrett
Would the Chicago Bulls agree to the deal?
With the Bulls owing a top-10 protected first-round pick next season, they should look to tank like there is no tomorrow, and this deal might actually be a great start. No one is going to predict for the Bulls will make the playoffs or play-in tournament next season with a healthy LaVine, but he could add a few more wins and that could be enough for them to fall outside of the bottom three teams in the standings.
The teams with the three-worst records in the NBA share the top odds for the number one pick and would give the Bulls a small but real chance at a future superstar. That could be Cooper Flagg, who would give them their best prospect since Derrick Rose more than a decade ago.
It may cost them at least two seconds, or possibly even a first, to get off of LaVine's contract but they could possibly flip Wiggins to a team in need of a defensive wing and Payton II and Looney to playoff teams in need of a backup shooting guard and center.
That could net the Bulls a handful of second-round picks—possibly even a first-rounder—if they are willing to take back a bad contract in exchange for Wiggins. Breaking up LaVine's contract into three smaller ones is smart for the Bulls and could net them more assets while helping their tanking efforts. Thus, they should be willing to do the deal.