New Orleans Pelicans: Prying Zach LaVine away from the Chicago Bulls

The New Orleans Pelicans should attempt to acquire Zach LaVine from the rebuilding Chicago Bulls

The New Orleans Pelicans dropped another game last night against the Utah Jazz, bringing their record to 5-8 on the year. Once again, it was the Pelicans’ offense that held them back from earning a win against a Western Conference foe.

We’ve been over it numerous times now, this team lacks spacing, creativity, and shot creation on the offense end of the floor, but they don’t have to continue down this path. Looking at the Pelicans’ roster, it’s easy to see that they’re closer to the top of the NBA than they are the bottom.

While we can argue all day about whether or not the Pelicans should “go for it” or build up the long way, there is a deal that might allow them to do both. That deal would be trading for the Chicago Bull’s Zach LaVine.

Why Zach LaVine should be a trade target for the New Orleans Pelicans

When looking at Zach LaVine, it appears that he’s continuing his breakout for the Chicago Bulls this season. LaVine is averaging 27 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists per game while shooting 39 percent from 3 point range.

The problem is, he’s doing so on a 6-8 Chicago Bulls team who appears to be going nowhere fast. Given that LaVine is already 25, it makes sense for Chicago to trade their talented guard and continue tearing down their roster. Especially with a loaded 2021 NBA Draft on the way.

If that’s the case then LaVine makes perfect sense for the New Orleans Pelicans. He’s 25 which puts him perfectly in the age for contention with Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson, plus he’s a proven shot creator.

Now some might raise concerns about LaVine’s game, and those would be reasonable. He’s only ever put up numbers on bad teams, and his defensive play has been mediocre. He’s also never made an All-Star or All-NBA in his career. In my opinion, though, these concerns just bring LaVine’s price down in comparison to a star-like Bradley Beal, which makes it more likely that the Pelicans can continue to build for the long-term while trading for LaVine.

So if LaVine is not in Chicago’s long-term plans, what would a trade package for him look like?