A blockbuster three-team trade proposal has surfaced, one that could see major shakeups for three NBA franchises: the Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, and New Orleans Pelicans. The trade idea, suggested by Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report, offers a chance for each team to address critical roster needs and pivot toward a new direction.
Lakers receive: Zach LaVine (Chicago) and Antonio Reeves (New Orleans)
Bulls receive: Brandon Ingram (New Orleans), D’Angelo Russell (Lakers), Jalen Hood-Schifino (Lakers), a 2029 first-round pick (Lakers), and a 2031 first-round pick (Lakers)
Pelicans receive: Rui Hachimura (Lakers), Chris Duarte (Bulls), Cam Reddish (Lakers), Jaxson Hayes (Lakers), and a 2031 first-round pick (Bulls)
For the Lakers, this trade gives them a dynamic offensive weapon in Zach LaVine. After narrowly missing out on LaVine at last season’s trade deadline, this deal could finally bring the two-time All-Star to Los Angeles. LeBron James and Anthony Davis have made it clear that they need more offensive firepower, and LaVine fits the bill perfectly. He’s averaged 24.9 points per game over the last five seasons, a consistent scorer who can attack the rim and knock down three-pointers.
By acquiring LaVine, the Lakers add a versatile guard who can score in bunches and take pressure off LeBron and Davis. While his defense has been criticized at times, he offers a bigger backcourt presence than D’Angelo Russell and can push Austin Reaves into a more traditional playmaking role.
Antonio Reeves, a promising rookie out of New Orleans, gives the Lakers some added depth and a potential future piece. Known for his sharpshooting and scoring instincts, Reeves could help space the floor and provide spot minutes off the bench.
However, the Lakers would have to part ways with several key contributors. Rui Hachimura, D’Angelo Russell, Cam Reddish, and Jaxson Hayes all move on in this scenario. While losing Hachimura’s frontcourt versatility and Russell’s playmaking could sting, the Lakers’ gamble is that LaVine’s offensive star power would be worth it, especially as they remain in “win-now” mode with LeBron and AD.
For Chicago, this trade signals a clear pivot toward a rebuild. Brandon Ingram, who has been one of the Pelicans’ top scorers and playmakers, could become the centerpiece of the Bulls’ next chapter. Although Ingram is on an expiring contract, his upside and ability to score in isolation or within a system make him an attractive option. If things go well, the Bulls could try to sign him to an extension.
In addition to Ingram, Chicago acquires D’Angelo Russell, who would give the Bulls a veteran playmaker for the upcoming season. Russell is also on an expiring contract, meaning that if the Bulls decide to fully commit to a rebuild, they could either flip him at the trade deadline or let his contract expire, freeing up salary cap space.
Perhaps the most valuable assets for Chicago in this trade are the two future first-round picks from the Lakers. A 2029 pick and a 2031 pick provide flexibility for the future, giving the Bulls the resources to either use in the draft or as trade chips down the line. Jalen Hood-Schifino, the Lakers’ 2023 first-round pick, also offers promise as a young guard who could develop in Chicago’s system.
For New Orleans, the deal represents the end of the Brandon Ingram era, but it also offers an opportunity to add depth across the roster. With Zion Williamson still the focal point of the team, the Pelicans need to build a stronger supporting cast around him. The trade brings in Rui Hachimura, a versatile forward who can stretch the floor and play multiple positions, and Chris Duarte, a sharpshooting wing who can provide scoring off the bench.
Jaxson Hayes, a former Pelican, also returns to New Orleans in this deal, giving the team some much-needed depth in the frontcourt. Hayes can play a backup center role or allow the team to experiment with different lineups featuring Zion at the 5. Cam Reddish, another wing with untapped potential, could find new life in New Orleans, as the Pelicans look for players who can fit around their core.
The Pelicans also gain a 2031 first-round pick from Chicago, which could be valuable down the line, especially if the Bulls enter a lengthy rebuild.
This trade idea could shake up the NBA landscape for the 2024-25 season and beyond. For the Lakers, it solidifies their commitment to competing for a championship while LeBron James is still playing at an elite level. Zach LaVine could be the piece that helps them return to the NBA Finals.
The Bulls would embrace a full rebuild, acquiring valuable young talent and draft picks, while the Pelicans would add depth and flexibility as they continue to shape their roster around Zion Williamson. Each team would have to take on certain risks, but the potential rewards could be worth it.
The Lakers Will Be Giving Up Too Much
The Lakers would be sacrificing far too much in this proposed trade. Not only are they giving up key contributors like Rui Hachimura, D’Angelo Russell, Jalen Hood-Schifino, and others, but they are also parting with two valuable first-round picks in 2029 and 2031.
This is a hefty price for Zach LaVine, a player whose market value has significantly dropped. Reports suggest that the Bulls may have had to attach a pick just to unload his hefty contract, which still owes him over $138 million over the next three years.
The fact that no teams aggressively pursued LaVine during the offseason raises concerns about his fit and long-term viability. While LaVine is a talented scorer, his contract and injury history make him a risky acquisition.
For the Lakers, mortgaging their future draft capital and valuable role players for a player with questionable trade value seems like an unnecessary gamble, especially when they could use those assets in more strategic ways. It’s a deal that might look good on paper but could backfire in the long run.
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