The Chicago Bulls are in the midst of a youth movement but still have two key players from their previous era: Nikola Vucevic and Zach LaVine, both of whom are on large contracts and remain potential trade candidates. Vucevic is in the second year of a three-year, $60 million deal, while LaVine is in the third year of a five-year, $215.1 million contract, making him difficult to move.
Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz recently suggested that the New Orleans Pelicans could be a potential destination for LaVine, possibly involving a trade for Brandon Ingram. Ingram, who averaged 20.8 points, 5.7 assists, and 5.1 rebounds last season, is in the final year of his five-year, $158.2 million contract and has been the subject of trade speculation. However, like LaVine, the Pelicans have struggled to find a suitable trade partner for Ingram.
Swartz also proposed a three-team trade in July that would send LaVine to the Golden State Warriors, Vucevic to the Pelicans, and Andrew Wiggins and Ingram to the Bulls. This trade would slightly reduce the Bulls’ payroll and help them approach more cap space, though it would create a crowded wing rotation.
LaVine’s injury history and declining performance have led to a lack of interest from other teams, including the Warriors, who reportedly have no desire to trade for LaVine or Ingram. Despite this, Bulls executive Arturas Karnisovas expects LaVine to be with the team at the start of training camp, leaving the door open for LaVine to rebuild his trade value with a strong start to the 2024-25 season.
