If there are two NBA players who are looking for a bounce-back season: they are former All-Stars Ben Simmons and Zach LaVine. Simmons has seen his stock in the NBA completely disappear since the 2020-21 season after the Philadelphia 76ers were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the Atlanta Hawks. Failing to rediscover his confidence and skills that helped him make two All-Star Teams and two All-Defensive Teams, Simmons is coming off a poor season with the Brooklyn Nets last season with averages of 6.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game.
Meanwhile, Zach LaVine is another forgotten star who had a 2023-24 campaign ridden with injuries and trade rumors, as he only appeared in 25 games with an average of 19.5 points per game on 34.9% shooting from three. Both former All-Stars are looking for a strong bounce-back season, and it could come in the form of a trade that sees them swap teams.
Trade Details
Chicago Bulls Receive: Ben Simmons, 2029 First-Round Pick (BKN), 2028 Second-Round Pick (MEM)
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Zach LaVine
This trade would not only be surprising but actually quite interesting if it were to happen. We have a full breakdown of how this trade would work out for the Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets.
Chicago Bulls Decide To Completely Rebuild In 2024-25
This trade signals a clear shift for the Chicago Bulls as they embrace a full rebuild. By parting ways with Zach LaVine in the same summer they let DeMar DeRozan sign a $76.7 million deal with the Sacramento Kings, the Bulls move on from a player who, despite his talent, has struggled with injuries and consistency, particularly last season. LaVine’s 2023-24 campaign, marred by just 25 appearances and a significant drop in shooting efficiency, raised questions about his long-term fit with a franchise aiming to build around a younger core.
Acquiring Ben Simmons allows the Bulls to take a calculated risk on a player whose stock is at an all-time low but still possesses elite playmaking and defensive potential. While Simmons’ recent production (6.1 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 5.7 APG) is far from All-Star level, a change of scenery and a lower-pressure environment could help him regain some of his old form. Simmons is also a free agent after this season ($40,338,144 in 2024-25) so the Bulls can have some flexibility in what they want to do with him.
The additional draft assets, particularly the 2029 first-round pick from Brooklyn, are crucial for Chicago’s rebuild. These picks give the Bulls the flexibility to either draft future stars or use them as trade chips to acquire other young talents. As they look to the future, building around promising players like Coby White, Patrick Williams, and possibly a revitalized Simmons, the Bulls can create a new foundation while maintaining financial flexibility. By moving on from LaVine’s contract, Chicago also opens up cap space that could be valuable in the coming years, setting them up for a more sustainable long-term strategy.
Overall, this trade allows the Bulls to pivot away from a flawed roster that never quite clicked and fully commit to a rebuild. Simmons is a gamble, but the upside of a low-risk, high-reward acquisition, coupled with future draft assets, makes this a logical step for a team that needs to reset its direction. If Simmons can return to even a shadow of his former self, the Bulls could find themselves with a valuable piece in their rebuild.
Brooklyn Nets Stockpile Some Nice Talent
For the Brooklyn Nets, this trade is about acquiring a proven scorer in Zach LaVine, who can help elevate a team that’s already brimming with solid role players but lacks a true offensive focal point. Despite a rough 2023-24 season, LaVine remains a dynamic scorer capable of taking over games, as evidenced by his career averages of 20.6 points per game and 38.5% shooting from three.
Pairing LaVine with capable talents like Cam Johnson (13.4 PPG, 4.3 RPG) and Nic Claxton (11.8 PPG, 9.9 RPG) gives Brooklyn a more balanced and potent offensive attack, allowing them to compete more effectively in a crowded Eastern Conference. His presence also alleviates some of the pressure on Bridges, who had to shoulder a significant scoring load last season.
The loss of Ben Simmons is more of a relief than a setback for the Nets. Simmons, once an All-Star, has become a liability due to his declining confidence, health issues, and lack of offensive development. Moving his contract off the books, even if it means parting with a future first-round pick, allows Brooklyn to clear cap space and avoid the distraction that Simmons has become.
Adding LaVine, who is just 29 years old, fits well with the Nets’ timeline of building a competitive team around their young core while staying relevant in the playoff picture. If LaVine can stay healthy and return to his previous form, Brooklyn may find themselves in a position to make a little bit of noise in the East or potentially look to trade away their assets in the future.
A Surprising Win-Win Trade
This trade is an example of a win-win situation for both teams, as it addresses the immediate and long-term needs of the Bulls and the Nets. Chicago’s decision to rebuild is underscored by their acquisition of Simmons and future draft picks, aligning with their goal of developing a younger, more cohesive roster. While Simmons is far from a sure thing, the potential reward outweighs the risk for a team with little to lose and much to gain. If the Bulls can reignite Simmons’ career, they will have gained a valuable asset at a low cost while positioning themselves for the future.
For the Nets, the trade provides an immediate upgrade in scoring with the addition of LaVine, helping them to remain competitive in a tough Eastern Conference. With LaVine, Brooklyn gains a proven offensive weapon who can complement their existing core and push the team closer to contender status. The loss of future picks is a small price to pay for a player of LaVine’s caliber, especially considering the uncertainties surrounding Simmons’ ability to contribute at a high level. By making this move, the Nets signal that they are committed to winning now while maintaining a balance between their present and future assets.
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