After a rocky start to the regular season, the Bulls and Lakers could potentially engage in trade talks centered around Zach LaVine. According to Sean Deveney from The Heavy, LaVine’s agent, Rich Paul, could be laying the groundwork for his eventual trade request as Chicago remains in NBA purgatory. Klutch Sports’ biggest clients happen to play for the Lakers as well.

“LaVine wants to go to the Lakers, that has been pretty clear for a while now,” and Eastern Conference executive told Deveney. “The agents (from Klutch Sports) want him to be in Los Angeles, he is a UCLA guy and they did some rattling about his contract last offseason, to kind of lay the groundwork if things blew up. Which they seem to be doing.” – THE HEAVY

“Still, [Lavine], too, could be coveted by teams like the Lakers and Knicks should he be prominently placed in trade talks. LaVine signed a five-year, $215 million max contract this offseason. The Bulls likely would seek a package of young players and draft picks in return.” – KC JOHNSON VIA NBC SPORTS CHICAGO

Zach LaVine to the Lakers Trade Package

The Chicago Bulls would be looking to officially reset their roster if they deal LaVine to the Lakers. Unfortunately for the Bulls, any deal involving the Lakers will likely mean they’ll have minimal returns in the short term, but any draft pick involved will pay dividends in the future. The Lakers roster is filled with aging or injury-riddled stars mixed with below-average role players, so there is no coveted young piece Arturas Karnisovas will be drooling to get his hands on to develop. For now, the Bulls can and will only ask for the Lakers’ draft pick in return, and any other major contract added to the trade will likely get bought out immediately.

Bulls Trade: Zach LaVine

Lakers Trade: Russell Westbrook, 2027 & 2029 unprotected first-round pick

Zach LaVine to the Knicks Trade Package

The New York Knicks are star hungry and haven’t tasted victory in several decades. If a star of LaVine’s caliber is available, they’ll put their bids in, as KC Johnson referenced. The Knicks have done a great job of stockpiling draft picks which they can unload any time a star hits the market. They also have a few young talented players the Bulls could throw into the deal to develop them during this transition period. LaVine would shine bright in Madison Square Garden.

Bulls Trade: Zach LaVine

Knicks Trade: Obi Toppin, RJ Barrett, three first-round picks