With the Suns continuing to find suitors for Beal, it looks like there is a chance that LaVine and the Bulls might be interested.
Just when it seemed like the Phoenix Suns were all in on trying to bring Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat to Phoenix, a new name has surfaced in the rumor mill. The Stein Line’s Jake Fischer is reporting that Zach LaVine is someone to keep an eye on.
Per Fischer: “Sources say Phoenix, to name one example, could emerge with interest in exploring a swap of Bradley Beal for LaVine, sources said, depending on how the rest of the trade landscape develops in the coming weeks.”
The speculation that the Chicago Bulls might consider swapping Zach LaVine for Bradley Beal isn’t relatively new — John Voita suggested it in early December — but why would the Bulls trade for Beal when LaVine shows signs of resurgence this year?
Hmmm…didn’t I say this on December 10th? https://t.co/Bqp0mhhGSc https://t.co/sxlVB2OIk3
— John Voita (@DarthVoita) January 24, 2025
A trade for LaVine is much less complex than it would be for Jimmy Butler. The teams can swap players straight up. If Chicago wants to play hardball, knowing that they’re trying to get off the contract that they’ve been trying to get off for quite some time, the Suns can throw in a first-round pick or two to grease the wheels of the trade.
LaVine is a player you can slot into the three spot at small forward to complement Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. However, with LaVine performing like a winning player for the Bulls this season, it’s hard to believe the Suns could acquire him, even if they offered their next five years of first-round draft picks. He is currently averaging 24.0 points on 51/45/81 splits.
For the Bulls, trading LaVine for Beal might not make much sense either. LaVine is younger, more athletic, and has shown the ability to carry the offensive load when needed. While Beal is a talented scorer, he has a hefty contract and a recent history of injuries, making it a risky move for a Chicago team that seems to prioritize stability and long-term potential.
Per @bball_ref , Zach LaVine has played 80% of his time at the small forward position for the Chicago Bulls this season. Defensively, he’s posted a 114.4 DEFRTG.
Ryan Dunn, in games in which he has started (23), has posted a 114.1 DEFRTG, and a 111.7 DEFRTG overall pic.twitter.com/KKRwTCSbU6
— John Voita (@DarthVoita) January 24, 2025
Between Butler and LaVine, LaVine is the better player and a better fit, but he would need to handle the ball much more. Does that mean the Suns could do without Tyus Jones and revert to Booker playing point guard? There are plenty of questions, but hopefully, fewer days remain until the Suns find their answer.
What are your thoughts about LaVine making his way to the Valley?