Warriors Rumors: Zach LaVine, Nikola Vučević Trades Have Been Discussed with Bulls
The Golden State Warriors will be one of the most intriguing teams to watch ahead of the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline as they decide whether to go all in on making a playoff push this season, and they are reportedly interested in two notable names from the Chicago Bulls.
K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network reported Thursday that Golden State is engaged in discussions with multiple teams on various scenarios. Some of those conversations have been about Zach LaVine and Nikola Vučević with the Bulls.
Ironically, the Warriors and Bulls are in a similar position in terms of this season's standings even if the former is being positioned as a buyer compared to the latter's role as a seller if such a trade happened.
Golden State is tied with the Sacramento Kings for the final spot in the Western Conference play-in tournament, while Chicago is tied with the Philadelphia 76ers for the same spot in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament.
Yet the Warriors have a championship pedigree with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Steve Kerr leading the way, while the Bulls have been stuck in mediocrity or worse for a decade.
It isn't difficult to envision Golden State posing problems for any team it faces in a singular postseason series if it can add offensive playmakers like LaVine or Vučević to a group that already includes Curry. It is far more difficult to envision the Bulls doing so since they haven't won a playoff series since 2015.
Chicago needs to do something to shake things up, and getting out of the LaVine and Vučević contracts will help it finally fully commit to a rebuild with younger players and draft assets.
Either one would theoretically work in Golden State as well since they can both shoot from the outside and take advantage of the spacing that comes with playing alongside Curry. Vučević would be an ideal pick-and-pop candidate with Curry, while LaVine could slash into those openings and attack the rim when defenders are pulled beyond the arc.
Whether that would be enough for the Warriors to make a deep playoff run is up for debate, and it is something the front office will have to consider before giving up draft picks and future assets.
But those conversations are reportedly happening as teams around the league evaluate their own rosters.
