Chicago Bulls: 3 blockbuster trade packages with Minnesota Timberwolves

Trade No. 2

I never promised a light and fluffy trade proposal, did I? Here is the big one.

The Bulls would end up with a core of Coby White, Lauri Markkanen and Karl-Anthony Towns to build around.

In exchange for Towns, the Bulls would pay a hefty price by sending LaVine, Wendell Carter Jr., Denzel Valentine and two first-round picks to the Timberwolves.

The hope would be that Towns and Markkanen paired together could turn into one of the league’s best front courts, although Lauri hasn’t been spectacular this year. Adding Towns to the mix should help elevate Markkanen’s game because of the attention on KAT.

For that matter, Towns’ presence should actually elevate others’ game as well. With Towns soaking up attention defensively, it should open things up a little more for White as well — who has entered somewhat of a rookie wall, but needs to continue shooting and attacking.

Sacrificing two first-round picks would be assuming that Towns, Markkanen and White are enough to lure free agents to Chicago.

Another potential benefit of sending LaVine away would be the emergence of Otto Porter Jr. on the wing, assuming he comes back at full strength. Porter has proven he can be a legitimate scoring threat when healthy, and the Bulls could use him more as a primary wing scorer with LaVine no longer around.