The Chicago Bulls have been active already this summer, as their plan is seemingly to push forward and compete for the postseason next year. They have re-signed Nikola Vucevic and Coby White, and they also brought in point guard Jevon Carter. However, while they’re looking to compete, a rebuild could be what’s best for Chicago.
Or, at the very least, they should look to shake things up, as the current iteration of the roster isn’t quite good enough to guarantee a playoff spot. Trading their two biggest stars, Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan is crazy and completely unrealistic right now, but it could help them moving forward.
Erik Beaston of Bleacher Report brought up the idea of a blockbuster move that would send LaVine and DeRozan to the Philadelphia 76ers for James Harden and Tyrese Maxey.
In an attempt to preserve the salary cap, the team has already opted not to extend Tyrese Maxey, though reportedly remains invested in keeping him per Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
“Would the team potentially sacrifice the future with Maxey to deal him in a package with Harden for two players like LaVine and DeRozan, who could come in and potentially help Joel Embiid get over the hump and compete for the Larry O’Brien trophy?
“It is an intriguing scenario if nothing else.
“The Bulls are in need of a rebuild, with uncertainty surrounding Lonzo Ball’s ability to play again following a serious knee injury and a roster that has been middling, at best. Injecting a little bit of new blood in it with Maxey, and veteran experience in Harden, would at least freshen things up, even if the likelihood of immediately competing in a loaded Eastern Conference is unlikely.
“LaVine has repeatedly been the subject of trade conversations in Chicago and Harden clearly wants out of Philadelphia. The two teams coming together and making a deal happen that takes both off each other’s hands while still being mutually beneficial is the best-case scenario.
“For the Sixers, specifically, who need to capitalize on having league MVP Embiid in his prime,” Beaston wrote.
It’s not going to happen, but that sort of trade idea is certainly an eyebrow-raiser.
