The NBA offseason is always an exciting time for basketball fans, with speculation rife about which players may be on the move. One of the more intriguing trade scenarios that have been discussed recently involves Chicago Bulls shooting guard Zach LaVine being traded to the Golden State Warriors. While nothing has been confirmed obviously, a potential trade of this magnitude has generated a lot of conversation and debate among basketball analysts and fans alike.
There are several factors that make this trade scenario so intriguing. Firstly, both LaVine and the Warriors are coming off disappointing regular seasons. LaVine averaged 24.8 PPG this season, but the Bulls struggled to win games, earning a 40-42 record and missing out on the playoffs thanks to a loss to the Miami Heat in the play-in tournament.
Meanwhile, the Warriors, who won the NBA championship last year, found themselves languishing in the middle of the Western Conference with a record of 44-38. If LaVine were to join the Warriors, it would give them a much-needed scoring boost and a change of scenery.
The Warriors are down 3-2 against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round of the playoffs and that is not a good look considering the amount of success the franchise’s fans are used to. The only way to kickstart a new era in Golden State is to swap Klay Thompson and Jonathan Kuminga for All-Star shooting guard Zach LaVine.
After all, the Warriors have struggled to find consistent scoring options beyond Stephen Curry all season long, even if Klay Thompson averaged 21.9 PPG. The Golden State Warriors have a ton of planning to do because Klay Thompson is 33 years old and counting, and his 20.3 PPG scoring average in the postseason doesn’t mean he is as untouchable as he was a few years ago. Injuries and age have caught up to Klay and there could be a way to gift Stephen Curry (30.6 PPG in playoffs) a new running partner to help out.
Here is the trade package that could work for the Golden State Warriors and Chicago Bulls to see Zach LaVine coming on board to join Stephen Curry in the backcourt.
Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Zach LaVine, Jonathan Kuminga
Chicago Bulls Receive: Klay Thompson
This trade is a massive gamble on both ends because the Warriors certainly move on from 4-time NBA champion Klay Thompson and a young forward in Jonathan Kuminga, and the Chicago Bulls are likely forced to move on from their core of DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine. Here is why this deal works for both the Golden State Warriors and Chicago Bulls.
Golden State Gets Younger And More Explosive On Offense
Zach LaVine would certainly help Golden State’s offense and core going forward. He’s a high-volume scorer who can create his own shot and has shooting percentages of 46.5% from the field and 38.4% from beyond the arc over his career. The potential trade will also shed light on how well LaVine would fit in with the Warriors’ style of play. Golden State is known for its fast-paced, ball-movement-heavy offense, and it certainly fits how much LaVine would be willing to defer to his new teammates. Playing for a championship contender could motivate him to adjust his game and become even better at only 28 years old.
LaVine is one of the most talented young guards in the NBA, with a rare combination of scoring ability and athleticism. He has shown that he can be a go-to scorer for his team, averaging over 24 PPG over the past four seasons with the Chicago Bulls. In addition to his scoring, LaVine has also improved his playmaking and defense, making him a more well-rounded player. The Warriors have a strong core of players, including Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, but they could use some more energy and athleticism on the team.
So far in the playoffs, the Golden State Warriors have only four players averaging double-digit scoring and that includes Jordan Poole, who has been somewhat of a liability posting only 10.5 PPG on 27.8% shooting from three. Otherwise, Klay Thompson is chipping in 20.3 PPG, and Andrew Wiggins is averaging 16.9 PPG, no doubt, the Warriors need a scorer who can chip in 25 PPG in his sleep to help out Stephen Curry (30.6 PPG).
LaVine would provide the team with another dynamic scorer who can create his own shot and take pressure off of the other players. With his athleticism and ability to play in transition, LaVine would fit in well with the Warriors’ fast-paced style of play. If the Warriors want to get back to championship contention, they should strongly consider trading for Zach LaVine. His scoring ability and well-rounded game would make him a valuable addition to the team and help them compete at the highest level.
Chicago Bulls Re-Build Their Core After Two Years Of Disappointment
The Chicago Bulls have been a middling team in the NBA’s Eastern Conference for the past few seasons, struggling to establish themselves as serious contenders. LaVine has been one of the team’s leading scorers and has been an instrumental player on offense. Despite his impressive performances, rumors have been circulating that the Bulls may be considering trading LaVine in order to improve their team in the long run. One potential trade scenario that has been discussed is the Bulls receiving Klay Thompson and Jonathan Kuminga in exchange for LaVine.
The Golden State Warriors sharpshooter is one of the deadliest shooters in NBA history, renowned for his ability to hit from downtown with incredible accuracy. Despite missing the last two seasons due to injury, Thompson remains one of the league’s most valuable assets. When he’s in full health, he can completely change the dynamic of a game with his shooting prowess. The Chicago Bulls only had five players shoot at least 36% from deep this season and clearly, this is an area that needs work.
Additionally, his defensive skills are often overlooked. Thompson is an excellent perimeter defender, capable of shutting down the opposition’s top scorer. By acquiring Thompson, the Bulls would be adding a proven veteran who can contribute both offensively and defensively. In addition to Thompson, the Bulls would also receive highly-touted youngster Jonathan Kuminga.
The 6’8” forward is widely considered to be one of the top prospects in the 2021 draft class, praised for his athleticism, strong work ethic, and defensive abilities. Although he is still raw offensively, his potential is sky-high, and he has the tools to one day become an elite two-way player at the NBA level. With the Bulls in rebuild mode, Kuminga would be the perfect addition to their young core, providing them with a potential star to build around.
A Win-Win Deal That Makes The Golden State Warriors Better For The Long-Term
The Chicago Bulls should be sellers this summer because they keep faltering as the weeks go by during the regular season. Although he has been one of their best players in recent years, there are no guarantees that Zach LaVine will re-sign with the team for the longer term and can be talented enough to be the best player on a championship team. By trading him away, the Bulls would be able to acquire two talented players who can contribute both now and in the future.
Thompson would give them championship experience to a team that features DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic, while Kuminga would provide them with a promising young talent to develop over the next few seasons. Even if the Bulls do end up moving on from DeRozan as well, Kuminga can slot into the starting lineup easily because he competes on both ends and will only get better as he gains experience. In terms of cashing in on LaVine, getting back a championship player in Klay and a 20-year-old forward make perfect sense. Now, what about the Golden State Warriors?
In case the Golden State Warriors fail to make a massive move for superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, the next-best option could be Zach LaVine. It has been over four years since the Warriors had a legitimate superteam led by Kevin Durant, and acquiring Zach LaVine could be the start of a new one because he is five years younger than Klay, averages more PPG, and is more athletic in terms of running the break and finishing at the rim. Thompson has slowed down as a scorer when he isn’t able to get his shot off, and LaVine won’t be stopped when his jumper isn’t falling. The shooting guard can still attack the rim at any point and almost no defender can stay in front of him.
A backcourt of Curry and LaVine would be difficult to handle, while Andrew Wiggins completes the wing with elite defense. Specifically, the Warriors also end up with far more cap flexibility as well. Klay is due to make over $43 million next year, while LaVine is making around $3 million per season less. Would the Warriors be willing to pay another max contract to a 34-year-old Klay Thompson who is slowly entering the latter stages of his career? Rather, the Warriors can pay LaVine and keep him for the long term alongside Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins as Stephen Curry continues to lead the charge in the search for his fifth NBA championship.
