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Chicago Bulls' Fire Sale: One Trade For Each Remaining Star
The Bulls have already moved some veterans in the likes of Alex Caruso and DeMar DeRozan. Now, it’s looking like Nikola Vucevic and Zach LaVine could be next. Trading these stars would give the Bulls the chance to fully commit to their rebuild and stack up some young talent and future picks.
Clippers Add Scoring Power With Zach LaVine
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Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Zach LaVine, Torrey Craig
Bulls Receive: Norman Powell, Terance Mann, P.J. Tucker
In this hypothetical trade, the Clippers add a proven scorer in Zach LaVine, who recently dropped 28 points in his preseason debut game against the Grizzlies. LaVine was on fire, shooting 9-12 from the field, including a perfect 6-6 from three. His strong performance this preseason shows he’s ready to return to form after an injury-shortened 2023-24 campaign where he averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists.
Adding LaVine to the Clippers' mix alongside Kawhi Leonard and James Harden would give them one of the most dangerous scoring trios in the league after Paul George’s departure to the 76ers. Along with LaVine, Torrey Craig brings solid defense and a reliable three-point shot, further bolstering the Clippers’ wing depth. For a team looking to make a deep playoff push, LaVine’s ability to create offense at all three levels makes him a game-changer.
For the Bulls, this trade represents a move towards rebuilding around their younger core. Norman Powell, who averaged 13.9 points last season while shooting 43.5% from three, gives the Bulls immediate scoring help and a potential trade chip down the road. Powell has shown flashes of high efficiency when Paul George wasn’t on the court, but injuries and inconsistent minutes have impacted his production.
Terance Mann, another valuable piece in this trade, brings versatility and two-way play, which the Bulls need as they continue to retool. Mann averaged 8.8 points in 2023-24 and has proven to be a reliable option off the bench. P.J. Tucker, though included more for salary matching, brings veteran leadership and toughness, which could benefit the Bulls' younger players.
This trade helps the Clippers go all-in on contending, while the Bulls gain more flexibility to focus on the future, building around Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey.
Lakers Land Veteran Big Man Nikola Vucevic
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Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Nikola Vucevic
Bulls Receive: D'Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, 2025 Second-Round Pick
This trade could reshape both teams in significant ways. For the Lakers, bringing in Nikola Vucevic gives them a reliable veteran who can contribute right away. Vucevic had another productive year in 2023-24, averaging 18.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game while playing in 76 games. Known for his offensive versatility, Vucevic not only dominates in the paint but also stretches the floor by hitting 34.4% of his threes, making him a valuable weapon in pick-and-pop situations. His ability to score from multiple spots on the floor, combined with his rebounding, makes him an ideal partner for Anthony Davis, potentially relieving Davis of some of the physical toll that comes with playing center full-time.
Defensively, while Vucevic may not be an elite shot-blocker, his size and positioning still provide value in the paint. With Davis handling more of the defensive responsibilities, Vucevic’s offensive contributions would be the perfect complement. This trade would allow the Lakers to maintain a formidable inside-outside game while improving their rebounding—an area where the team struggled last season. Vucevic’s consistent play could make a difference, especially in the grind of a long playoff run.
On the Bulls' side, moving Vucevic signals a full shift toward rebuilding around younger pieces. The return package starts with D'Angelo Russell, who averaged 18.0 points, 6.3 assists, and 3.1 rebounds while shooting 41.5% from three in 2023-24. Russell's offensive game would be a major boost to the Bulls' backcourt, giving them a playmaker who can also space the floor. Though Russell can be streaky at times, his ability to create his own shot and facilitate makes him a solid fit for a team looking to add scoring and veteran leadership.
Maxwell Lewis adds another layer of youth to the Bulls' future. While still a raw talent, Lewis has shown flashes of athleticism and potential as a versatile forward. His development will be key for a team looking to grow organically. The 2025 second-round pick gives the Bulls additional flexibility in future drafts, allowing them to potentially move up or gather more assets to continue building their young core.
Overall, this deal would provide the Lakers with the frontcourt depth they need for a deep playoff run, while the Bulls embrace their rebuild, focusing on developing their younger talent and acquiring future assets. It’s a move that helps both teams focus on their current goals—championship contention for the Lakers and a full-scale rebuild for the Bulls.
Mavericks Add Young Potential In Patrick Williams
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Dallas Mavericks Receive: Patrick Williams, 2028 second-round pick (via SAC)
Bulls Receive: Maxi Kleber, Jaden Hardy, 2025 first-round pick
In this hypothetical scenario, the Mavericks acquire Patrick Williams, a former fourth overall pick who still holds significant upside despite some underwhelming years in Chicago. Last season, Williams averaged 10.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, and shot 39.9% from three, showing flashes of his two-way potential. However, injuries, including a stress reaction in his left foot, limited him to just 43 games. Dallas would likely see Williams as a perfect fit next to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, as his defensive versatility and shooting would give them much-needed depth at forward.
This trade cannot be finalized until December 15, 2024, due to Patrick Williams recently signing a five-year, $90 million contract extension with the Bulls this offseason. This extension locks Williams into Chicago's future at an average of $18 million per year, with a player option in the fifth year, signaling the Bulls’ belief in his long-term potential despite his inconsistency and injury struggles.
For the Bulls, moving Williams could make sense if they want to accelerate their rebuild and clear cap space for the future. By acquiring Maxi Kleber and Jaden Hardy, the Bulls would add a stretch big in Kleber, who could help space the floor with his shooting, and Hardy, a young guard with scoring upside. Additionally, the 2025 first-round pick gives Chicago another valuable draft asset to help shape their future.
Bulls’ Final Roster Overhaul
Bulls trade: Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, Patrick Williams
Bulls receive: Norman Powell, Terance Mann, P.J. Tucker, D'Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, Maxi Kleber, Jaden Hardy, 2025 first-round pick, 2025 second-round pick, 2028 second-round pick
This set of hypothetical moves sees the Bulls completely turning the page on their old core, diving headfirst into a rebuild. Trading away LaVine, Vucevic, and Williams signals that the team is ready to move forward with a younger group, focused on potential and flexibility for the future. By adding players like Powell and Russell, the Bulls get veterans who can still contribute immediately while helping mentor the younger talents like Coby White (assuming he stays for part of this rebuild).
Norman Powell gives them scoring and experience in the backcourt, while Russell can provide playmaking and shooting to take the load off their young guards. P.J. Tucker’s toughness and defensive mindset will help set the tone for this new-look Bulls team. But the most exciting part of these trades is the influx of youth and future assets. Players like Jaden Hardy and Maxwell Lewis bring promise, and the extra first and second-round picks give the Bulls even more chances to swing for the fences in future drafts.
In this scenario, the Bulls have clearly shifted toward building something sustainable for the future. It’s all about player development and flexibility from here. With multiple draft picks in hand and some promising young talent, they’re setting themselves up for a full rebuild, likely focusing on building around players like Matas Buzelis and Patrick Williams while giving their new additions plenty of room to grow. The next few years might be rough in terms of immediate results, but the foundation for long-term success is being laid.
