An outlandish trade proposal sends Zach LaVine to an Eastern Conference rival

Would the Chicago Bulls green-light this trade?

© Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports

Talk of Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine being an overpaid super-max level player will reach new heights if he fails to lead the team to the playoffs this season. However, if the Bulls get tired of all the chatter and want to rid themselves of LaVine’s massive contract, a trade proposal could have them making a deal with Eastern Conference powerhouse Milwaukee Bucks.

LaVine for a package bannered by Khris Middleton

Zach Buckley wrote that a suitable win-win package for both teams would see the Bucks send Khris Middleton, Grayson Allen, MarJon Beauchamp, and a 2029 first-round pick to the Chicago Bulls for LaVine. With this deal, the Bucks’ backcourt becomes younger and more explosive, with LaVine providing solid outside shooting (38% from three for his career) and reliable supplementary scoring that would help alleviate some of the load from Giannis Antetokounmpo’s shoulders.

How it works for the Bulls

Though Middleton struggled with numerous injuries last season, the veteran rounded into form in the NBA Playoffs and proved he still has plenty of gas left in the tank. If the Bulls could keep Middleton relatively healthy, the 32-year-old wing would provide Chicago with a major boost to its offense and versatility on defense.

Getting a solid “3-and-D” guy like Grayson Allen and a tantalizing prospect in Beauchamp could also benefit the Bulls. Allen, entering his sixth season in the league, has averaged nine points and three rebounds over his career while shooting 39 percent from beyond the arc, but it is well-known there is not much love for him in Chicago after he injured fan favorite Alex Caruso in 2022. Meanwhile, Beauchamp appears poised for a breakout season after an offseason that saw him score an incredible 83 points in a single game of the Crawsover League.