The Chicago Bulls’ offseason plans may revolve around a single decision. While there’s interest in re-signing DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic is secured for two more years, Zach LaVine is the only player with significant trade value. However, his injury history and hefty contract ($140 million through 2026-27) have made it difficult to find a buyer. A potential trade with the Los Angeles Lakers, suggested by Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley, would swap LaVine for D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, and Jarred Vanderbilt, providing the Bulls with three rotation players on more reasonable contracts.
In a proposed trade, the Chicago Bulls would receive D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, and Jarred Vanderbilt from the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Zach LaVine. According to Zach Buckley, this deal would provide the Bulls with players who are easier to trade than LaVine, and could potentially yield assets for a rebuild. However, this trade package lacks two key things the Bulls are looking for in a deal for LaVine, which are likely draft picks and/or young prospects.
A proposed trade between the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers, swapping Zach LaVine for D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, and Jarred Vanderbilt, falls short of the Bulls’ initial demands. The Bulls had sought a young player, multiple first-round picks, and salary filler or an established high-end player and a first-round pick. However, this deal could still be the best option for the Bulls if they want to make significant changes. The trade would save the Bulls around $3 million in salary for the next season, with LaVine’s $43 million contract being replaced by the combined $40 million salaries of Russell, Vanderbilt, and Vincent. This deal would also give the Bulls more financial flexibility and breathing room under the luxury tax to make further moves.
