Blockbuster Trade Proposal Sends Bulls’ Zach LaVine To Cavaliers

Could the Chicago Bulls trade Zach LaVine to the Cleveland Cavaliers? Under NBA CBA rules, there’s a way it could happen. 

A fan on Fanspo trade proposals created the following mock trade between the Bulls, Cavaliers and Sacramento Kings:

Kings receive: Max Strus

Bulls receive: Kevin Huerter, Caris LeVert, Georges Niang

Cavaliers receive: Zach LaVine, Torrey Craig

LaVine played in just 25 games in 2023-24. He underwent season-ending right foot surgery in February.

A two-time All-Star and a two-time Slam Dunk Contest champion, LaVine averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.3 blocks in 2023-24 while shooting 45.2% from the field, 34.9% from beyond the arc and 85.4% from the free-throw line.

LaVine signed a five-year, $215 million contract with the Bulls in July 2022 during unrestricted free agency. The guard will make $43 million next season. 

A UCLA product, LaVine has career averages of 20.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.3 blocks with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Bulls. He has a 216-364 record in the NBA. 

The Cavaliers could start Darius Garland, LaVine, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen if Cleveland’s front office acquired LaVine from Chicago. 

The Bulls have been trying to trade LaVine for over a year. LaVine wants out of Chicago too. 

According to NBA reporter Jamal Collier of ESPN, LaVine has felt “singled out” during Bulls film sessions. 

“LaVine has also felt singled out during film sessions and feels like he has taken too much blame for the team’s losing during his tenure — which has produced one playoff appearance in seven years — despite other roster failings, sources told ESPN,” Collier reported. 

The odds of the Cavaliers trading for LaVine are very, very low. However, it’s fun to think about what an offense with LaVine and Mitchell would look like. 

Cleveland lost to the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 2024 playoffs in five games.

Meanwhile, Chicago missed the postseason again.