Chicago Bulls: 3 trades to consider with Dallas Mavericks

Trade No. 3

Two years ago, I was slamming the table hoping the Bulls would find a way to draft Jalen Brunson. The former Villanova point guard is a National Champion who knows how to win. He’s a professional — a professional who is averaging 15.6 points, 6.9 assists and 5.0 rebounds per 36 minutes this season.

If the Bulls want to build on their youth going forward and gain a pick in the process, here’s my proposal: Deal LaVine and Ryan Arciadonoco to the Mavs and, in return, gain Brunson, Tim Hardaway Jr. and a first-round pick.

We’ve already established that LaVine, while playing at an All Star level, still can’t play strong defense to save his life. There are many who view him as a great second or third option, but don’t think he can be the focal point of a team.

Getting a guy like Hardaway Jr. back in return gives the Bulls a better defender in the meantime, while they might also get him next year as well — he has a player option for next season.

Brunson gives them much-needed, solidified depth at the point guard position behind Tomas Satoransky, and Coby White would be able to step in and develop as the team’s starting two guard without LaVine.

Of course, the Bulls also get a first-rounder in this deal, which would be a later pick in the opening round, should Dallas continue as a Western power, but a first-rounder nonetheless.