The Chicago Bulls have put together a veteran win-now team but, unfortunately, are missing a healthy point guard as Lonzo Ball’s recent updates do not sound promising. Kyrie Irving has requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets and informed the franchise he intends to leave in free agency if he is not traded by next week. While Kyrie Irving certainly comes with his fair share of drama, the Bulls could find themselves on the phone to complete a deal for Irving as long as he is committed to resigning over the summer. As the roster is currently constructed, Kyrie Irving could be the missing piece for the Bulls to make a serious title run.

Breaking: Brooklyn Nets All-Star Kyrie Irving has requested a trade, league sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. The franchise has been informed that Irving prefers to move on ahead of the Feb. 9 trade deadline – or will leave in free agency in July.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 3, 2023

Potential Trade Package To Land Kyrie Irving

Bulls Trade: Zach LaVine

Nets Trade: Kyrie Irving

At 30, Kyrie Irving will be in his prime for at least the next three seasons barring any significant injuries. A few years ago, the asking price for Kyrie Irving was significantly higher. As he enters free agency with a dark cloud looming over his head filled with his recent controversy, his value has dropped tremendously. However, his game did not. Irving is averaging 27.1 points per game and five rebounds and assists per game. He is arguably one of the best players at his position this season, which makes him a valuable asset despite his recent issues outside the basketball court. The Bulls would welcome him with open arms if he agreed to resign over the summer. The Nets would not be able to receive a massive haul of picks for Irving since there’s no real urgency by any team to acquire him. The Bulls have a young 27 years old fringe All-Star who are great friends with Kevin Durant. A simple swap of LaVine for Irving could be a great potential deal for both teams.

Kyrie Irving Linked To The Bulls In The Past

Before Jimmy Butler was traded in the summer of 2017, Kyrie Irving was interested in playing for the Chicago Bulls, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. The Bulls decided to go in a different direction at the time by acquiring Zach LaVine and building their franchise around him. If Gar Forman managed to pull off a trade to acquire Irving, a recent champion at the time, perhaps the Bulls could have added a seventh championship banner to the United Center rafters.