The Chicago Bulls are entering a rebuilding phase, having already parted ways with DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso. The next major move on the horizon could involve trading Zach LaVine, who signed a five-year, $215 million contract in 2022.
While LaVine has been a key player for the Bulls, recent injury issues—he played only 25 games last season—along with his hefty contract have negatively impacted his trade value. Moving LaVine would signal a clear shift in the team’s direction, potentially opening up opportunities for younger players and allowing the Bulls to develop a more balanced roster.
The suggestion that the Bulls should have begun this rebuild earlier highlights the underperformance of the current lineup, and trading LaVine could be a way to correct course. One rumored destination for LaVine is the San Antonio Spurs, as reported in a Bleacher Report article, where Keldon Johnson has been suggested as a potential trade target for the Bulls. According to Greg Swartz, the Spurs are one of the few teams capable of absorbing LaVine’s contract, which runs parallel to the length of Victor Wembanyama’s rookie deal. Such a trade would align with both teams’ strategies, with the Bulls seeking to clear cap space and the Spurs possibly looking for an established scorer to pair with Wembanyama.
This potential deal could mark a pivotal moment for the Bulls as they seek to move on from their current roster makeup and build a more sustainable future.
If the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs were to proceed with a trade involving Zach LaVine and Keldon Johnson, Johnson would likely be a key piece coming to Chicago. Johnson, a young and versatile forward, would align well with the Bulls’ apparent strategy of rejuvenating their roster with dynamic, up-and-coming talent. He averaged 22.0 points per game during the 2022-23 season, demonstrating offensive potential that fits the Bulls’ need for a forward who can both score and facilitate play for others. However, his dip in production to 15.7 PPG last season might raise concerns, though his overall potential remains attractive for a team in rebuilding mode.
For the Spurs, acquiring LaVine could be a smart move. Despite his injury issues, LaVine remains one of the most dynamic scorers in the NBA when healthy. Pairing him with Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama would provide San Antonio with an exciting one-two punch, blending LaVine’s offensive prowess with Wembanyama’s all-around skills. This combination could accelerate the Spurs’ competitive timeline, while the Bulls could focus on younger talent like Johnson to reshape their future. Both teams would stand to benefit from this potential deal, addressing their current needs and long-term goals.
