The NBA trade rumor mill is heating up, and the Chicago Bulls find themselves at the center of it once again. According to recent reports from The Athletic and the New York Times, the Denver Nuggets have expressed interest in acquiring Zach LaVine before the trade deadline.
This development is significant for several reasons. First, it marks the first concrete trade interest we’ve heard for LaVine during this cycle. Previously, reports suggested that the Bulls were struggling to find suitors for the high-scoring guard.
The potential trade package from Denver could revolve around Michael Porter Jr., whose $35.8 million contract would go a long way toward matching LaVine’s salary. Additional players like Zeke Nnaji or Dario Saric might be included to make the numbers work.
For the Bulls, this trade could offer a reset of sorts. While LaVine is arguably the better player, Porter Jr. is younger and could fit better with the team’s timeline. The deal would also provide some financial flexibility and potentially include a future first-round pick from the Nuggets.
However, there are complications to consider. LaVine’s 15% trade kicker would need to be factored into any deal, potentially making the financials trickier to navigate. Additionally, the Nuggets are close to the second tax apron, which could limit their willingness to take on a large contract like LaVine’s.
Bulls in NBA Purgatory
While trade rumors swirl, it’s worth examining the Bulls’ current position in the league. A recent analysis by Will Gottlieb of CHGO introduced the NBA Purgatory Index, which tracks playoff wins and top-five draft picks since 2016. The Bulls find themselves tied for last in this metric with just four combined playoff wins and top-five selections over that span.
This statistic highlights the team’s struggle to break out of mediocrity. Without a clear path to contention or a full rebuild, the Bulls risk remaining stuck in the middle – a precarious position in the NBA.
As we approach the trade deadline, these discussions will only intensify. Whether a LaVine trade materializes or not, it’s clear that the Bulls need to chart a new course to escape their current purgatory.
For more insights and a deeper dive into potential trades and the Bulls’ future, tune into the Locked On Bulls podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Bulls Podcast:
• Bulls’ December schedule and potential for a winning month
• Impact of recent injuries on the team’s performance
• Analysis of the Bulls’ defensive struggles
