Chicago Bulls Receive: G Tim Hardaway Jr., G Jalen Brunson, DAL 2021 2nd Round Pick, DAL 2022 1st Round Pick
Dallas Mavericks Receive: G Zach LaVine
Given that Zach LaVine is owed $19.5M this year, in order for the Mavericks to absorb his contract, Tim Hardaway Jr. would have to be included in this trade to make the finances even out since Hardaway Jr. is owed $18.9M this season.
While he is not as old as Patty Mills in the last trade, Tim Hardaway Jr. would come to Chicago as an experienced and veteran player who can lead and contribute in many different ways. He is still in the prime of his career and coming off one of the better shooting seasons of his career with the Mavericks.
Last season in 71 games with Dallas, Tim Hardaway Jr. averaged 15.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and shot 39.8% from three-point range. Catch-and-shoot threes is Hardaway Jr. ‘s specialty and with the lack of talent on the wing for the Bulls, he could come in and immediately help contribute on the offensive end of the court.
Jalen Brunson is a proven point guard and can contribute to any team he is on. In his first two seasons in the NBA, Brunson has averaged 8.8 points, 3.2 assists, 46.7% from the floor and 35.2% from three in 130 games at the NBA level. The Bulls drafted Coby White last year but if they decide to trade Zach LaVine, they may look to play around with a two-guard lineup with White and Brunson in the backcourt.
The key to any trade for Zach LaVine will be the draft picks and if the price is right for what the Bulls want to receive. Giving up a first-round pick in 2022 and a second-round pick in 2021 does not seem flashy, but would be two immediate draft assets for the Bulls. The Bulls already have 2 second-round picks in the 2021 NBA Draft and by adding another, they could package the three picks to move up and gain another late-first round pick.
Getting two established players in Tim Hardaway Jr. and Jalen Brunson could prove to be very valuable for Chicago as those are two less guys they have to worry about in terms of what they will get from them. They both are two very consistent players and could provide stability within the Bulls’ rotation.
