This offseason isn’t even over for the New Orleans Pelicans, but it’s not too early to start looking at the next one.
Ok, so it probably is, but considering the Pelicans will be looking to make a big move sometime this season, it’s hard not to think of the possibilities.
The Pelicans do not have a single bad contract, so are in the position to make a move before the trade deadline, or to wait it out and use future cap space to sign an 2022 NBA free agent.
Most of the best players will be restricted free agents, who are hard to pry away from their teams that can match any deal.
But there is one unrestricted free agent whose status is going to be discussed all season in both trades and eventually free agency and that’s Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls.
Pels fans have already marked the Bulls games on their calendar because of the Lonzo Ball saga, but they should also be keeping on eye on Zach LaVine.
New Orleans Pelicans: If the Bulls falter, Zach LaVine could be traded
The Chicago Bulls have a shiny new roster that will include Lonzo Ball and DeMar DeRozan, who were both acquired in sign-and-trades.
The Bulls now have a team that is expected to compete in the Eastern Conference and jump into the playoff picture right away, but what if they don’t?
The Bulls have an expensive roster with a lot of guaranteed money tied up in Ball and DeRozan, so if they underperform, the Zach LaVine trade rumors are going to start flying.
Trading LaVine would mean a soft rebuild for the Bulls but it is also their best way to do it, as he would undoubtedly get a haul at the trade deadline.
The Pelicans are one of the few teams in the NBA with the combination of young talent and draft assets to get a guy like LaVine, so if the Bulls do end up trading him, David Griffin will be on the phone.
But there are other ways to get LaVine.