NBA Rumors: Chicago Bulls ready to move Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vucevic ahead of trade deadline
Recent NBA rumors have suggested the Chicago Bulls are prepared to move their star trio of Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic. As Chicago continue to add to the loss column, the team appear to be ready to move in a different direction, as per Chicago Sun Times' Joe Cowley.
Some difficult decisions await the Chicago Bulls as they prepare to play their next game in Paris. Sitting at 20-24 on the season, the Bulls are certainly not in a position they'd hoped to be in. Occupying the last spot in the Play-In bracket, Chicago are barely clinging on.
A string of poor performances this season has been the primary cause of this. Although the Bulls have been relatively healthy for most of the season, something just isn't clicking.
Due to this, several have dubbed their roster construction a failed experiment. This has therefore led to several rumors that have suggested that the trio of DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic are on the trade block.
There was some doubt regarding who was and wasn't up for trade. While there has been no development in terms of actual trade, the Chicago Sun Times' Joe Cowley recently reported that the trio were up for trade.
In an article about the Bulls' trip to Paris, Cowley mentioned:
"LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic could be involved in trade scenarios and be playing elsewhere when the deadline comes and goes. Even Coby White or Derrick Jones Jr. could be sent out if Karnisovas were to be looking for a small tweak to the roster dynamics.
"According to a source, Caruso could be the one untouchable because of how valuable he is defensively and in the plus/minus category, but that remains to be seen."
“LaVine,DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic could all be discussed in trade scenarios and realistically be elsewhere when the deadline comes and goes... According to a source,Alex Caruso could be the one untouchable just because of how valuable he is defensively.”👀
- @JCowleyHoops https://t.co/nKmVWYfWNr
The Bulls may be on the verge of some major changes this season. Although they have a set of rather promising players, the team itself hasn't been a cohesive unit for consistent stretches.
Although the situation seems grim, the Bulls may see some positive developments moving forward. With Lonzo Ball's condition improving at a steady pace, they may see their floor general back in action soon.
Read: Chicago Bulls coach reveals latest update on Lonzo Ball's return
The Chicago Bulls could make a trade happen
The Chicago Bulls are at a rather delicate point in their season. While they have the pieces to turn their season around, they haven't been able to gel as a cohesive unit. In light of this, there are several things that the Bulls could do.
The trading scenario is by far the most aggressive choice. By trading a few pieces, the Bulls could practically rebuild while simultaneously keeping their hopes for the season alive.
Read: Chicago Bulls trade rumors: Top 3 potential landing spots for Nikola Vucevic
In this scenario, the only players who are unavailable for trade are reported to be Patrick Williams and Alex Caruso. However, players such as Zach LaVine have emerged as high-value assets.
Quite a few teams have shown an interest in LaVine. Given his scoring skill and ability to catch fire in clutch situations, the guard has a lot to offer. The LA Lakers have emerged as potential takers in this regard.
However, everything appears to be a waiting game at the moment. As the trade deadline inches closer, several teams will be looking at who will make the first move.