Chicago Bulls involved in another mock trade with the Miami Heat

This deal would bring Tyler Herro to the Windy City.

© Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls are bringing back the same core from last season, the very same big-name players that could not bring the team into the postseason. This includes the Bulls’ highest-paid player, Zach LaVine, who had an outstanding season, averaging 24.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while shooting 48 percent from the field, including 37 percent from deep.

The Bulls’ decision to run it back could torpedo the team’s chances of building for the future. After all, LaVine just finished the first year of a five-year, $215-million contract, which means the Bulls will be burdened by his contract for several more years. However, if the team can make a move that would improve the franchise’s chances of competing—both in the short- and long-term—they could consider taking a risk.

Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley recently put together a trade that may make sense for the Bulls.

Bulls receive Tyler Herro for Zach LaVine

According to Buckley, the mock trade would send Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, and big man prospect Nikola Jovic to the Bulls in exchange for LaVine and talented youngster, Dalen Terry. This may work for the Bulls, considering Herro’s prolific offensive production (20.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists) and his age (23 years old).

“This trade package is somewhat future-focused, but not in a way that would waste the remaining prime years of DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic,” Buckley wrote.

Anyone who has watched the Bulls these past seasons is also aware of the issues involving the fit of the so-called “Big 3” and swapping out LaVine for Herro may be a beneficial move for the team, especially if they want to compete in the future.

Additional pieces

Robinson would also significantly improve three-point shooting on a Bulls squad that needed it badly all season long. After a dismal regular season, the six-year-pro came alive in the NBA Playoffs and played a huge role in the Heat’s Finals appearance. Jovic, meanwhile, is a young big man who can develop into a rotation player in the Association soon. Although he played in just 15 games as a rookie this past season, he has shown an ability to rack up numbers when given the minutes.