NBA Trade Idea: San Antonio Spurs Deal For Chicago Bulls' Zach LaVine?

If the San Antonio Spurs need a proven point guard, Zach LaVine could be hitting the trade market.

During the 2021 offseason, the San Antonio Spurs sent DeMar DeRozan to the Chicago Bulls for a package that brought in a 2025 first-round draft pick. With the Bulls on the verge of a rebuild, getting DeRozan off the books for a pick seems like a genius move by Brian Wright.

This season, the Spurs could have the chance to strike gold with the Bulls again. Unlike 2021, this trade would see the Spurs send draft capital to Chicago.

According to Hoops Wire, the Bulls could be interested in trading Zach LaVine before the February trade deadline, if Chicago is floundering at or below .500.

The Bulls only won 23 of their first 50 games last season and failed to make any serious additions this summer. LaVine is signed to a massive contract, he is owed $170 million through the 2026-27 season. If the Bulls decide to tear it all down, freeing up that money could be priority number one.

Through nine seasons with the Bulls and Timberwolves, LaVine has a record of 206-349 / Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Entering his tenth season, LaVine is a two-time All-Star and is one of the league's best scorers. Since becoming a full-time starter, LaVine has posted averages of 23.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and shoots 39 percent from deep. He is a highlight machine and has proven an ability to play off-ball, which would be especially important on the Spurs roster.

San Antonio has expressed interest in positionless basketball, but having a tried-and-true lead guard would not be a bad idea. LaVine has played point guard for the Bulls and excelled at it. Pairing an explosive athlete who can shoot with Jeremy Sochan and Victor Wembanyama would do wonders for their development, and a starting five of those three, Devin Vassell, and Zach Collins would help elevate the Spurs’ playoff chances long term.

LaVine would immediately boost the Spurs’ floor, and he would be a fixture of the offense for four seasons. That being said, the asking price is “massive.” Luckily, the Spurs have picks to spare.

A deal of three first-round picks (maybe returning Chicago’s 2025 selection?) and salary filler on shorter contracts should do the trick, but if LaVine returns to All-Star form, the Bulls could hold out for an even larger asking price. The Spurs would have to sacrifice some depth to get a deal done, and with no rush on Wembanyama’s development, the organization might not want to do that.