When the Chicago Bulls acquired Lonzo Ball, they assumed they had solved their point guard problem. However, following three knee surgeries in the last two years, it seems unlikely that he will ever play for the franchise again.
He has stated unequivocally that he will return. However, the Bulls have struggled to maintain a high level of play on a consistent basis.
Drastic measures may be required.
On October 11, Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report said, “Even with three high-level individual offensive players in Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vuevi, the Chicago Bulls only managed 113.8 points per 100 possessions in 2022-23.”
“Years ago, that mark would’ve been fine, but it gave them the league’s 24th-ranked offense last season.
“And with starting point guard Lonzo Ball reportedly set to miss his second straight campaign recovering from a knee injury, the Bulls could use a table-setter like [James] Harden to put the offense in better alignment.”
Bulls get:
– James Harden
76ers get:
– Zach LaVine
– 2027 first-round pick
The approach outlined above would save the Bulls more than $4.4 million. Given Harden’s credentials, the Sixers may be able to demand more.
Among many other honors, he is a 10-time All-Star and the 2017-18 Most Valuable Player.
Harden is in the final year of a two-year, $68 million contract with the Sixers and had a falling out with Sixers president Daryl Morey. Harden has requested a trade, with the Los Angeles Clippers being his preferred destination, but nothing has come to fruition, perhaps leading to an uncomfortable position as the regular season approaches.
Last season, Harden averaged 21 points, led the league with 10.7 assists, added 6.1 rebounds, and shot 38.5% from beyond the arc. Harden’s efficiency would have placed him second in the Bulls’ rotation.
His 7.2 attempts were sixth in his career, although he would have led the Bulls last season.
The Bulls have officially emphasized continuity, but there have been rumors that they are evaluating trade interest in LaVine this winter. According to NBC Sports Chicago’s K.C. Johnson, one of the teams they were in contact with was the Sixers.
LaVine has largely brushed off the trade rumors, noting that he remains committed to the Bulls even if he could do without the chatter.
He also got some Sixers fans interested by posting a picture with rising star Tyrese Maxey.
LaVine is on the second year of a five-year, $215 million contract, which has raised concerns among possible suitors concerned about his long-term health after he suffered several knee ailments that necessitated surgery, including before last season. He did make 77 starts last season, the most in his Bulls career.
Last season, the two-time All-Star averaged 24.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while shooting 37.5% from three-point range, but he had to overcome a sluggish start. If he gets out to a fast start, it may allay some of the fears.
Zach LaVine, Bulls Focused on Building
Acquiring Harden, who has requested trades from three different franchises since the start of the 2020-21 season, would be the polar antithesis of the message Bulls senior vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas has promoted.
LaVine has followed through on his words, coordinating team activities and generally remained a part of the squad when they traveled to Nashville for training camp.
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