The Chicago Bulls, in the midst of a rebuild, have parted ways with LaVine after allowing DeMar DeRozan to leave in free agency. LaVine, once regarded as one of the top shooting guards in the league, struggled during the 2023-24 season, playing just 25 games due to injuries and averaging 19.5 points per game on 34.9% shooting from three-point range.
Despite these setbacks, LaVine’s talent remains undeniable. At 28 years old, he could be a major asset for a Spurs team looking to build around Wembanyama. A mock trade offers a potential scenario where the Spurs acquire LaVine, giving them a co-star for Wembanyama and a strong partner for Chris Paul in the backcourt.
Trade Details:
- San Antonio Spurs Receive: Zach LaVine
- Chicago Bulls Receive: Keldon Johnson, Zach Collins, Tre Jones
This trade would give LaVine a fresh start alongside Wembanyama, while the Bulls continue their rebuild around a younger core.
Spurs Boost Playoff Aspirations with LaVine Trade
The San Antonio Spurs have been in rebuilding mode for a few seasons, but the acquisition of Zach LaVine could significantly accelerate their push for the playoffs. While LaVine’s 2023-24 season was marred by injuries, he has a proven track record as a dynamic scorer. Before his injury troubles, LaVine averaged over 24 points per game in back-to-back seasons, including a career-high 27.4 points per game in 2020-21, when he earned All-Star honors.
LaVine’s scoring versatility—whether shooting from deep, driving to the rim, or creating his own shot—would give the Spurs a potent offensive weapon alongside Wembanyama. Pairing the two could create an exciting inside-outside combination, as LaVine’s ability to score off the dribble complements Wembanyama’s all-around skills. Additionally, LaVine has experience playing alongside veteran point guards, which would help him thrive under Chris Paul’s playmaking abilities. Paul’s career average of 9.4 assists per game would likely help LaVine find high-percentage shots, maximizing his efficiency in pick-and-roll and catch-and-shoot situations.
For the Spurs, this trade marks a shift from focusing solely on player development to competing for the playoffs. LaVine’s scoring presence could help improve an offense that ranked 26th in the NBA in offensive rating during the 2023-24 season. His ability to create shots in crunch time would be a valuable addition to the team’s late-game execution. With LaVine on board, the Spurs would send a clear signal that they are ready to compete.
Chicago Bulls Rebuild Continues
For the Bulls, trading LaVine represents their commitment to a full rebuild. With DeRozan gone, the Bulls can focus on developing younger players and building a new core. In return for LaVine, the Bulls acquire Keldon Johnson, Zach Collins, and Tre Jones—three promising players under the age of 27.
Johnson, a key player for the Spurs, has averaged 18.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game over the past two seasons. His two-way play would provide the Bulls with much-needed versatility. Zach Collins, meanwhile, adds depth to the frontcourt with his ability to stretch the floor and defend the paint. Collins averaged 11.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks per game in the 2023-24 season, making him a valuable piece for Chicago’s future. Tre Jones, known for his playmaking and defense, would offer the Bulls a reliable option at point guard, as he averaged 6.2 assists and 1.0 steals per game last season.
This trade would allow the Bulls to retool with young talent while keeping the door open for additional moves to gather assets. With potential cap space and future draft picks, Chicago would have the flexibility to continue shaping its roster.
A Game-Changing Duo for the Spurs
The Spurs’ acquisition of LaVine is also a strategic move to support Victor Wembanyama, who is seen as the future face of the franchise. Adding LaVine would ease the offensive burden on Wembanyama, allowing the young star to continue developing his game. Wembanyama, who averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks per game as a rookie, would benefit from LaVine’s shooting and scoring ability.
LaVine’s presence on the floor would open up space for Wembanyama to operate, whether in the post or in the mid-range. With defenses forced to respect LaVine’s perimeter shooting, Wembanyama would have more room to dominate inside. Chris Paul’s veteran leadership and ability to orchestrate the offense would ensure both LaVine and Wembanyama receive high-quality touches in key moments.
This trade also emphasizes the Spurs’ intent to build a winning culture around Wembanyama, bringing in veteran players like LaVine to guide the young star’s development. Despite his injury history, LaVine has valuable playoff experience that could prove crucial for a Spurs team looking to return to postseason contention.
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