Trade Scenario No. 2 – Chicago Bulls

Golden State Warriors Receive: G Zach LaVine

Chicago Bulls Receive: F Kelly Oubre Jr., F Eric Paschall, G Jordan Poole, MIN 2021 1st Round Pick, GSW 2026 1st Round Pick (Top-10 Protected)

Zach LaVine has been a name that has popped up a lot in NBA trade rumors, but never with the Golden State Warriors, which is a surprise because he could be a fantastic fit in Steve Kerr’s system. He possesses All-Star-like talent and given his natural offensive abilities and mentality to always score, he could be the workhorse the Warriors need next to Steph with Klay Thompson out. 

The only thing about this trade from the Warriors’ perspective though is that they would have to give up quite a bit to get him. In doing so, they would not only have to want to keep Zach LaVine in their long-term plans, but they would have to get a commitment from him ahead of time that he would be willing to sign with them long-term.

Giving up all three guys in Oubre, Paschall and Poole would not be easy for Golden State. Each guy holds a big role on their current roster and both Paschall and Poole are two young players that can be championship-type players for the Warriors both now and in the future. However, for Zach LaVine, it’s more than worthwhile.

The Warriors traded for Kelly Oubre Jr. in the offseason and have had high hopes that he and Wiggins would make up for the absence of Klay Thompson, but they have been really hot-and-cold this season. Again, Zach LaVine, on the other hand, looks like a proven All-Star talent and he could have a major impact on making the Warriors legit title threats this season. 

Zach LaVine is off to another fast start this season, but in Chicago, he has no chance to contend for a championship, let alone even make the playoffs! He has been disgruntled in the past at times, so it wouldn’t be far-fetched for him to eventually want a change of scenery to be in a better position to win.

The Chicago Bulls could wind up missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season, causing Zach LaVine to waste away the prime of his career. His best chance to contend for a title is in Golden State and the Warriors’ best chance to win a title this season is by trading for LaVine.

It would be a long-shot to try and convince the Bulls to trade Zach LaVine, but GM Bob Myers always has some tricks up his sleeve and if he wants to target the young Bulls’ star, then the Warriors’ front office will do everything they can to make this trade happen.