Bulls may shed $138 million salary in blockbuster trade with Lakers.
The Chicago Bulls are still in NBA purgatory, but a massive trade with the Los Angeles Lakers might see them released for free.
While Chicago has made significant steps toward a new era, they are still burdened with Zach LaVine's onerous contract, which has proven difficult to transfer.
With speculations this summer indicating that LaVine is completely healthy, Chicago cannot abandon its efforts to trade the two-time All-Star.
LaVine does not fit with the Bulls' aim to be bad for a few years, but he is a highly competent player in his prime who could considerably aid a contender or fringe contender.
Enter the Los Angeles Lakers, who could use some star power to lessen the burden on an aging LeBron James and an ailing Anthony Davis.
If the Lakers could get LaVine from the Bulls without giving up Austin Reaves, they may consider the move a success.
Fortunately for the Lakers, such a transaction is possible. By sending D'Angelo Russell
Rui Hachimura, and Gabe Vincent to Chicago in exchange for LaVine, the money would be split evenly between the two teams.
The Bulls would effectively split LaVine's massive salary into three smaller, more manageable contracts,
the longest of which would last two seasons (LaVine has three years left on his contract).
Russell is the last thing the Bulls' guard-heavy roster needs, yet his contract is up.
Hachimura and Vincent would both provide an experienced presence in Chicago's locker room, aiding in the development of the team's younger players.
If all four are healthy, the Lakers believe a core of James, Anthony, Reaves, and LaVine would be very strong.