One NBA analyst suggested that the Orlando Magic acquire Zach LaVine from the Chicago Bulls this offseason.
Dan Favale of Bleacher Report offered the following trade between the Magic and Bulls:
Chicago Bulls receive Cole Anthony, Jett Howard, 2025 second-round selection, and 2026 second-round pick (second most favorable from Detroit, Milwaukee, or Orlando).
The Orlando Magic have received Zach LaVine.
The Bulls will try to move LaVine this offseason after failing to find a buyer for him at the trade deadline.
Chicago has only won one postseason game since acquiring LaVine from the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2017.
LaVine appeared in just 25 games this season. He had season-ending right foot surgery in February.
LaVine, a two-time All-Star, averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists in 2023-24, shooting 45.2% from the field, 34.9% from beyond the arc, and 85.4% from the foul line.
LaVine agreed to a five-year, $215 million contract with the Bulls in July 2022. He will earn $43 million next season and $45 million in 2025-26.
LaVine, a UCLA product, has career averages of 20.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.3 blocks for the Timberwolves and Bulls.
“LaVine’s shooting and off-the-dribble creation are perfect for a half-court offense lacking both,” noted Favale. “He does not check the floor-general box, but the Magic will have the flexibility and assets to pursue the playmaker. The 29-year-old’s price tag is also significantly less exorbitant given that he will be in the final year of his deal by the time Paolo Banchero’s inevitable max extension goes into force.”
In the first round of this year’s playoffs, the Magic were eliminated by the Cleveland Cavaliers after seven games.
Meanwhile, the Bulls missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season.
“Saving the Bulls a boatload of money is part of this package’s appeal, but the framework can assume different permutations depending on Orlando’s side quests,” noted Favale. “This arrangement takes up the majority of the Magic’s cap space while accounting for the return of Gary Harris and Mo Wagner (team option). If they wish to go over the cap, they can manipulate the outbound salary by combining Isaac, Wagner, and Joe Ingles (team option).
According to NBA insider K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago, LaVine and the Bulls are “motivated” to split up this offseason.
It’ll be interesting to see whether Chicago finds a new home for LaVine.
