Washington Wizards receive: Nikola Vucevic, Patrick Williams, 2023 First-Round Pick (POR), 2026 First-Round Pick (CHI), 2028 First-Round Pick (CHI)
Chicago Bulls receive: Bradley Beal
Here, the Washington Wizards value two additional first-round picks over Lonzo Ball. Depending on your team-building philosophy, you’ll agree or disagree with that decision.
Of course, it would also be fair to have a philosophical opposition to the Chicago Bulls pairing Beal with LaVine in the first place. That’s particularly true given DeMar DeRozan’s place on this team. How many shots get taken in an average NBA game, and is that enough for the three of them to split? Dear God, won’t somebody think of the defense?
We thought about it, and then we disregarded it. The Bulls already leaned into an all-offense identity. They might as well lean harder. Plus, replacing noted sieve Vucevic with a smaller-cost big man may ultimately force them to acquire a rim protector.
Imagine trying to contain a lineup of Ball, Beal, LaVine, DeRozan and, say, Dewayne Dedmon. Yes, you’ll be able to score on them, but will you be able to do it as often as they’ll be able to do it on you? It may not be a championship formula, but it’ll be a winning one and a lot of fun to watch at that.
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On the other hand, if the Bulls prefer a little more floor balance, they may opt to just swap LaVine for Beal in a sign-and-trade.
