Grade The Mock Trade: Hawks Acquire Zach LaVine To Finally Get Trae Young Much-Needed Help

The Atlanta Hawks have not been able to climb back to playoff contention in the Eastern Conference after making the Eastern Conference Finals in the 2020-21 season, and currently hold a 7-8 record while ranking 17th in offensive rating (113.0) and 21st in net rating (-3.3). The Hawks have a bonafide All-Star in Trae Young but do not have enough help around him despite the budding presence of Jalen Johnson.

There could be a way for the Hawks to become relevant in the East again and that involved trading for Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls have semi-embraced a rebuild, hosting a 6-9 record and holding onto veterans such as LaVine and Nikola Vucevic. There could be a way for the Bulls to get rid of their best players for some assets and trading LaVine to the Hawks is an interesting mock trade idea that makes sense, and we break it down from start to finish.

Proposed Trade Details

Atlanta Hawks Receive: Zach LaVine

Chicago Bulls Receive: De’Andre Hunter, Bogdan Bogdanovic, 2029 First-Round Pick (ATL)

Atlanta Hawks Have Enough To Make A Playoff Push

Adding Zach LaVine to the Hawks’ roster would provide Trae Young with the complementary offensive star he’s been lacking since Atlanta traded John Collins. LaVine, a two-time All-Star, brings elite scoring ability with a season average of 21.6 points per game and shooting splits of 50.5% from the field and 42.0% from three. 

His dynamic scoring and ability to create his own shot would alleviate some of the immense playmaking and scoring burden currently shouldered by Young, allowing the Hawks’ offense to diversify. With LaVine on board, the Hawks could climb out of the middle of the pack offensively and become a more potent threat in the East.

LaVine’s athleticism and shooting also fit well alongside Atlanta’s existing roster. Trae Young thrives in pick-and-roll situations, and LaVine’s off-ball movement and shooting range would give Young another outlet when defenses collapse. The emerging Jalen Johnson (19.4 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 5.4 APG) and Onyeka Okongwu (11.1 PPG, 6.5 RPG) would round out a versatile lineup that could pose matchup problems for opponents. 

However, the defensive concerns that have plagued the Hawks would likely worsen. Neither Young nor LaVine excels defensively, leaving the team vulnerable against strong backcourt. This trade would be a calculated risk for Atlanta. De’Andre Hunter and Bogdan Bogdanovic are valuable pieces, but neither has emerged as a consistent second option. 

Moving a future first-round pick limits flexibility, but with Trae Young entering his prime, adding an established star like LaVine signals a clear commitment to winning now. It’s a gamble that could position the Hawks as a playoff contender with the potential to disrupt the Eastern Conference.

Chicago Bulls Embrace Their Rebuild

For the Chicago Bulls, this trade marks a clear pivot toward rebuilding after years of mediocrity. With a 6-9 record and a roster that lacks cohesion, the Bulls have struggled to find a winning formula around LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, and DeMar DeRozan. Moving LaVine, their most valuable trade asset, gives them an opportunity to reset and focus on building a younger, more cohesive team. 

De’Andre Hunter, at 26, brings defensive versatility and a respectable offensive game, averaging 20.5 points per game on 47.8% shooting from three this season. He’s not a franchise cornerstone, but he’s a solid contributor who fits a rebuild timeline. Bogdan Bogdanovic adds scoring punch and veteran leadership, giving Chicago a short-term boost while maintaining cap flexibility for the future. 

He’s a sharpshooter who can space the floor and help develop the team’s young guards, such as Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu. However, his age (32) and injury history (only two appearances) make him more of a stopgap than a long-term solution. The real prize for the Bulls is the 2029 first-round pick, which could yield significant value depending on Atlanta’s trajectory in the coming years.

The trade also aligns with the Bulls’ rumored willingness to move off LaVine’s hefty contract, which pays him over $40 million annually through 2027. Offloading that salary allows the Bulls to open up cap space and potentially make moves in free agency to pair with future draft assets. While the return may not be overwhelming, it provides a pathway toward a more sustainable future for Chicago.

What Grade Does This Trade Get?

Atlanta Hawks: B+

The Hawks earn a B+ for this trade as it brings a legitimate second star in Zach LaVine to complement Trae Young. LaVine’s offensive skill set aligns well with Young’s playmaking prowess, creating a dynamic duo that could elevate Atlanta’s offense, which currently ranks 17th in the NBA. With career averages of 20.5 points and 38.5% three-point shooting, LaVine adds scoring versatility and star power, helping the Hawks solidify their standing in the playoff race. This move also capitalizes on Jalen Johnson’s development, giving Atlanta another offensive weapon to balance its roster.

Chicago Bulls: C+

For the Bulls, this trade is an underwhelming step toward rebuilding, garnering a C+ grade. Moving on from Zach LaVine signals Chicago’s acknowledgment of their mediocrity, but the return feels underwhelming for a player of LaVine’s caliber. De’Andre Hunter is a solid two-way player averaging 15.4 points per game, but he hasn’t shown the consistency or upside to be a foundational piece. Bogdan Bogdanovic adds shooting and veteran leadership, yet at 32, he’s a temporary asset rather than a long-term building block. The 2029 first-round pick offers some future potential, but it’s a distant asset, and the Bulls may need more immediate capital to truly accelerate a rebuild. 

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