As two fellow Eastern Conference teams sealed the deal on a massive trade earlier today, Chicago continues to sit on the sidelines in trade market activity. The Indiana Pacers and Toronto Raptors were the leading players in a three-team transaction, including the New Orleans Pelicans, in a deal that sent Pascal Siakam and his two All-Star selections to Indiana with three first-round picks headed up North alongside Bruce Brown. Now that the biggest name on the market is gone in Siakam, LaVine might have the most star power left for sale. Despite LaVine being a headliner, Bulls’ insider K.C. Johnson of NBC Chicago suggests that another Chicago guard could be tossed in potential trades.
Lonzo Ball’s Trade Value
Set to make $20 million or more for the next two years, Ball could bridge the gap for Chicago to execute a trade for a lucrative contract. Even though those words have most commonly been used in LaVine’s case and how it’s preventing the Bulls from moving on from their star wings’ services, their recent success since his return from injury may extend his stay through the 2023-24 campaign. Still only 26 years old and playing the best basketball of his career before injury, it’s an appealing kicker for any potential landing spot who can afford to wait on his health. Now the question becomes, who’s in Chicago’s sights?
All-Star Guards
The most likely scenario that brings new talent to Chicago is a deal between an underachieving team through the first half of the season or a three-team agreement sending pieces like Alex Caruso to a contending roster. The Atlanta Hawks have made it known that Dejounte Murray is open for business, Golden State has publicized that everyone except for Stephen Curry is up for trade, and the Los Angeles Lakers downfall since winning the In-Season Tournament could see a shake-up on their roster.
Missing out on Siakam will kickstart teams like the Warriors to become active in trade talks. On the outside of the playoffs looking in, and 3-7 in their last ten outings, Golden State would be a perfect trade partner for the Bulls to send the expiring contract of DeMar DeRozan and the defensive menace Alex Caruso in exchange for some young talent and draft capital. Reloading as Stephen Curry’s championship window dwindles seems to be their best course headed into the deadline.
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Dropping three straight decisions to some of the best teams leaguewide and missing out on Siakam, Sacramento may look to be aggressive in bolstering their roster before heading into the gauntlet Western Conference playoffs. They’ve fallen to a Play-In Tournament bid after losing to Golden State in seven games a season ago during the postseason. Could DeRozan, Caruso, or LaVine help solve the Kings’ issues?
