Proposed Bulls Trade Would Set Franchise Back on the Right Track

The Chicago Bulls just wrapped up another disappointing season. Missing the playoffs for the second straight season, the Bulls had their sixth losing season in the last seven years. It is clear that things need to change in the offseason for this franchise to have some hope going into the future.

Where that change needs to come is through their stars. Zach Lavine, the highest-paid player on the team had an entirely lost season in which he appeared in 25 games and looked like a shell of himself. He has been on the trade block for the last few years but the front office has been hesitant to move him for less than what they consider to be his fair value.

However, that needs to change this offseason and Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report has a trade proposal that accomplishes that.

"The trade: Zach LaVine to the Los Angeles Lakers for D'Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent and Jarred Vanderbilt"

In his piece, Buckley suggests a trade with the Lakers where Chicago receives D'Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, and Jarred Vanderbilt in exchange for Lavine.

At first, Bulls fans might think that that is not enough of a return for Lavine. However, they need to realize that Lavine has three more guaranteed seasons after this year for an average of $45 million per year. He has one of the least team-friendly contracts in the league.

Therefore, Chicago should be thrilled that a team is willing to give up any assets for him. Now, two years removed from his All-Star season, Lavine is nowhere near the level of player his contract would suggest. There is a chance that the Bulls may have to attach assets to move on from him.

So, the Bulls can't afford to play hardball in trade negotiations. Russell, Vincent, and Vanderbilt are not world-beaters but they are solid role players who could help the team. The Bulls can even rehab their value and trade them again mid-season. Moving three mid-level contracts separately will be much easier than moving Lavine's albatross of a deal.

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