Chicago’s seven-year tenured shooting guard, Zach LaVine, has been the most commonly theorized trade piece in 2023. Whether it’s been drawn up that he’s headed to Los Angeles, reported that the Philadelphia 76ers have interest, or the Sacramento Kings and LaVine are mutually eager to join forces, he’s been the talk of the town as the calendar turns to 2024. NBA Correspondent Marc Stein has recently broken the news that a new All-Star guard is being dangled in trade discussions, and Chicago may seek a deal to bring Coby White a suitable running mate moving forward. What 27-year-old guard is the latest to hit the trade block, and do the Bulls have a reasonable shot at landing him in a trade?
Dejounte Murray In Chicago
Stein says the Atlanta Hawks are “expected to explore trading Murray,” with an upcoming four-year, 120 million dollar contract extension set to begin next season. This would make sense for both Chicago and Atlanta. Murray was shipped to Atlanta after being disgruntled in San Antonio, partially about his role on the team, and has shown superstar capabilities in sporadic moments. He was the NBA’s steal leader in his first season with the Hawks and was named to his first All-Star team. Averaging more than 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists with his new team, Murray would be a great all-around addition to Chicago’s young backcourt.
Atlanta is off to a worse start than the Bulls. They would not be in playoff contention at 12-18 through 30 games, and this is without significant injury issues or roster reconstruction from the previous three campaigns when they were above .500 and made the playoffs each season. Murray’s recent disagreements with the organizational decisions and the slow start to the year may call for a shakeup in Atlanta.
LaVine’s grossly overpriced contract would again be a hurdle in this potential trade, with Murray slated to make at least $10 million less than Chicago’s two-time All-Star in each of the next four years, more salary-filling bench pieces would need to be added to swap the two 27-year-old wings.
Chicago’s Hot Streak Continues
Despite losing Nikola Vucevic before tip-off for the first time since the 2021-22 season due to a groin injury, the Bulls were able to outlast Atlanta for their ninth win in 13 games since LaVine has been sidelined. They had won five of their previous 18 with LaVine in the rotation. Andre Drummond not only had an individually historic night but cemented himself in Bulls and NBA history with an incredible 24-point, 25-rebound effort in his first start with Chicago. Drummond also shot 11-for-13 from the field and grabbed ten offensive rebounds, fueling the home team’s 48-to-40 rebound advantage.
Has Drummond earned an argument to start when Vucevic returns from injury, or will he be granted more minutes off the bench? While it’s tough to argue playing Drummond and Vucevic simultaneously, Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns play side-by-side in Minnesota with a similar archetype to Chicago’s duo of big men.
If Vucevic can solidify his perimeter jumper and knock down consistent three-point field goals, expect more staggered minutes for the two and for head coach Billy Donovan to find ways for Drummond to see the court more. Regardless of what happens in the rest of 2023, teams are certainly on high alert now for the veteran center around the trade deadline and in future seasons.
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future seasons.