5 Dejounte Murray trades Hawks GM Landry Fields should explore

Proposed trade lands Bulls’ disgruntled All-Star Zach LaVine

From one Klutch Sports connection to another, Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine is open to a trade, as is the organization. Again, the Hawks could look to take advantage of that and add one of the game’s most efficient scorers.

LaVine is averaging 24.9 points on 59.6% true shooting over the last six seasons, one of just seven players to post such a line over that span, per Stathead.

Instead of trying to shore up the defense as they did with Murray, the Hawks could lean even further into their pace & space style of offense with LaVine – a 38.2% career three-point shooter – playing a satellite role around Young and his preternatural passing.

The Bulls have had a hard time drumming up trade interest amid concerns over the two-time All-Star’s hefty contract and injury history.

He is in Year 2 of a five-year, $215 million contract.

A two-time Slam Dunk Contest champion, he also has a history of knee injuries including a torn ACL in 2017, arthroscopic knee surgery ahead of the 2022-23 season, and he is currently sidelined into January at least with foot inflammation.

The Bulls have also played much better without him this season than they did when he was active.

That could all be used in negotiations by the Hawks or any other interested teams. 

If the Hawks are too concerned about LaVine’s contract, health, and/or sup-par defense next to Young, they could target a return package of fourth-year forward Patrick Williams along with veteran guard Jevon Carter, who was signed this offseason only to be outplayed by the team’s incumbent guards.