The Milwaukee Bucks are listed as a team in the Bradley Beal trade sweepstakes. That trade was considered one of the biggest trade headlines this offseason. However, their division rival is reportedly shopping a player that they think will net even bigger returns in a trade than Beal.
The Eastern Conference Central Division belongs to the Bucks right now. And judging by last season’s record, it’s not really a fair right for their competitors. One of their rivals, the Chicago Bulls, has been disappointing since Lonzo Ball sustained an injury that has seen him unable to play since January 2022. Ball’s career might be over, and the Bulls need a point guard. To adjust their roster, the Bulls are exploring options for breaking up their core three players of DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Nikola Vucevic.
According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Bulls are actively looking to trade LaVine:
“Wishful executives will keep their eyes peeled on Portland and Damian Lillard, but it’s the Chicago Bulls who have started contacting teams, quietly gauging the trade interest in Zach LaVine, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
It remains to be seen just how willing Chicago is to part ways with LaVine, or if it receives a commensurate offer for his services. LaVine has four seasons remaining on his five-year, $215 million contract, and multiple teams have indicated the Bulls are holding a steep valuation for LaVine — one that’s likely to exceed what Washington can ultimately net for Beal.”
This is a big gamble for the Bulls. It would certainly change the complexion of their team. LaVine and DeRozan together can make the offense look awkward at times. However, when one has an off night, the other can pick up the slack.
The outcome for Bucks fans in a potential trade is hard to gauge right now. By trading their younger star, it appears the team would be looking to trade LaVine and add help for DeRozan to have a better team next season. The Bulls might be aggressive in adding veteran talent to make a deep run in the playoffs.
Would the Milwaukee Bucks trade for Zach LaVine?
The timing of the report on the Bulls wanting to trade LaVine is interesting, considering the report on Beal Wednesday. Beal is a player Giannis Antetokounmpo has said he’d like on the Bucks. LaVine’s name has been linked to the Bucks via a trade recently.
LaVine would be a great addition to the Bucks’ offense. However, the Bucks would have to give up a major player on their team to bring him to Milwaukee. And his contract isn’t cheap. I don’t foresee the Bucks and Bulls making a major trade like that in the division, especially if the Bucks have no interest in trading Khris Middleton or Jrue Holiday. But this offseason could get pretty crazy.
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1 Comment
The Bucks don’t need more scoring. They currently can’t utilize the players efficiently, why add to that problem. I think our new coach will have his hands full just trying to find minutes for the roster as is. If Middleton can come back from these injuries he’s been dealing with and be what he was they should be fine. They need to get more out of role players. I mean that from a coaching perspective they are not being utilized. Giannis also needs to improve many aspects of his game including his IQ. The offense can’t always run through him. Especially in the playoffs. Giannis is one of if not the most ball dominant players in the league. There simply isn’t enough to go around to another star. It’s very fortunate I think that Middleton is the #2. I think it takes a unique player with a lot of patience and unselfishness to play alongside Giannis.