As is the case with every summer, rumors have dominated the NBA world thus far, and the Finals just ended. From teams looking to blow it up to players aiming to move on, the entire NBA landscape is in a world of constant flux. And the Los Angeles Lakers are a part of that.
While Bradley Beal and the Portland Trail Blazers steal headlines, the Lakers have some decisions of their own to make. They traded for D’Angelo Russell at the deadline, but now it looks like he could be moving on this summer. For the Chicago Bulls, this could pose an interesting opportunity.
Chicago needs point guard help. Lonzo Ball was supposed to be the answer, but he hasn’t been able to get back on the court, and there’s a chance he never will.
The Bulls can’t wait for him to be healthy. They need to be proactive. Targeting D’Angelo Russell in a sign-and-trade could help them do that.
That’s where the catch is, though. They would have to cobble together an adequate package to entice the Lakers.
Maybe they trade DeMar DeRozan straight up, as the veteran star is entering the final year of his contract. Maybe it’s a sign-and-trade of their own with Coby White. Maybe they try to get off Zach LaVine’s long-term money. Whatever the option, Russell is an intriguing target who would slot in as the point guard and help Chicago’s offensive woes.
For a team as dreadful as the Bulls at three-point shooting, adding a perimeter shot creator like Russell could be an interesting idea this summer.
