After a rocky start to the 2023-24 NBA season, Zach LaVine has returned to the court for the Chicago Bulls, giving the organization a potential lifeline to trade their star shooting guard. LaVine’s return reignites the possibility of a move, one that could reshuffle the Bulls’ roster and bring in pieces that complement the team’s future plans. But with LaVine’s significant contract, injury concerns, and an underperforming Chicago squad, finding the right trade partner has been a challenge. Enter the Orlando Magic.
According to Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale, the Magic could be the perfect suitor for LaVine, offering a compelling trade package in return. The proposed deal would see the Bulls part ways with LaVine and veteran Torrey Craig while receiving a combination of talent, draft assets, and defensive potential from Orlando. Let’s break down what this trade could look like and what it means for both teams moving forward.
The Trade Proposal: Bulls and Magic Swap Key Pieces
The proposed deal would be a bold move for both teams, with the Bulls receiving a mix of young talent and future assets, while the Magic get an established scorer in LaVine. Here’s the breakdown:
Bulls Receive:
– Cole Anthony (Guard)
– Jonathan Isaac (Forward)
– Tristan Da Silva (Forward)
– 2025 First-Round Pick (Top-five protected, from either Denver or Orlando)
Magic Receive:
– Zach LaVine
– Torrey Craig
Why This Trade Makes Sense for the Bulls:
Chicago has been in a holding pattern with LaVine for some time. The two-time All-Star is an offensive dynamo but has struggled with consistency and injuries over the past couple of seasons. After signing a massive five-year, $215 million contract in 2022, LaVine’s trade value has been difficult to gauge—especially given the injury concerns and hefty salary. However, Favale suggests that LaVine’s recent performances, including his return from a hip injury, could mean the Bulls can still extract valuable assets for the high-priced guard.
In return, Chicago would receive a combination of solid rotation players and draft picks. Jonathan Isaac, when healthy, brings a high level of two-way versatility that could address Chicago’s defensive needs. At 6-foot-10, Isaac offers positional size and can contribute across the frontcourt. While injuries have derailed his career (he missed two full seasons between 2020 and 2022), his contract is structured in a way that could appeal to the Bulls in the long term. The $25 million Isaac is owed this season will drop to $15 million by 2025-26, and the final years of his contract are injury-protected.
Cole Anthony, meanwhile, gives Chicago a potential backcourt spark. A former lottery pick and natural scorer, Anthony has struggled to find a consistent role with Orlando. His 2.1 assists per game this season is a career-low, and his playmaking has not developed as hoped. However, Anthony’s scoring ability (career averages of 14.7 points per game) could provide a much-needed boost to a Bulls offense that often lacks dynamic scoring options.
Tristan Da Silva, a first-round pick in the 2024 draft, adds a potential developmental piece to Chicago’s future. The Bulls are thin on wing prospects, and Da Silva’s addition could help build a more well-rounded roster moving forward.
The most intriguing part of the package, though, is the 2025 first-round pick, which is top-five protected. Given that the Magic’s future looks bright, this pick could end up being an asset that helps Chicago build for the future—especially if Orlando’s rebuild accelerates in the coming seasons.
The Magic’s Perspective: Why Adding LaVine Makes Sense
For Orlando, the trade would be about adding a proven scoring threat who can elevate the team’s offense. LaVine’s ability to stretch the floor and create his own shot would complement the Magic’s young core, including players like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, who can do a lot of the playmaking and facilitating.
Orlando has been building with an eye toward the future, and adding LaVine would signal the team is ready to take the next step toward playoff contention. Although LaVine’s defensive deficiencies are a concern, his scoring ability would instantly make Orlando more competitive in the Eastern Conference. Additionally, the Magic have the luxury of taking on LaVine’s massive contract because they aren’t yet at the stage where they need to prioritize cap flexibility over adding talent.
Torrey Craig, a seasoned veteran, would provide some experience and depth to Orlando’s forward rotation. He may not be a game-changer, but Craig can help in the short-term while the team continues to develop its younger players.
Waiting Game: Timing of the Deal
One logistical hurdle in this trade is that it can’t be completed until January 6, 2025, due to Jonathan Isaac’s contract restrictions. Isaac’s five-year, $84 million deal, which he restructured in July, includes a provision that prohibits him from being traded until six months after signing. This means that while the framework for the trade is in place, the two teams would have to wait until the start of the new year before finalizing the deal.
Could the Bulls Look for More?
While the proposed package could make sense for Chicago, Favale suggests the Bulls could push for even more assets, especially if Orlando is willing to include someone like Jett Howard—an intriguing 2023 first-round pick with a connection to Chicago. Howard, a 6-foot-7 wing, was selected 11th overall by Orlando, but his ties to Chicago (his father, Juwan Howard, is a former NBA All-Star and current assistant coach with the Brooklyn Nets) could make him a more sentimental option for the Bulls.
Howard’s inclusion could make this trade more enticing for Chicago, giving the team another young asset to develop. However, it’s unclear if the Magic would be willing to part with Howard so soon after drafting him.
Final Thoughts
A potential trade between the Chicago Bulls and Orlando Magic involving Zach LaVine represents a pivotal moment for both teams. For Chicago, it could be the start of a rebuild or retooling process, with the addition of younger players and future draft picks. For Orlando, adding LaVine could accelerate the team’s timeline, boosting its scoring capabilities as they continue to build around their core.
As it stands, this trade proposal is still speculative, but it’s one that makes sense for both sides. The Bulls get a mix of young talent, future assets, and defensive potential, while the Magic add an offensive spark that could help them become more competitive in the East. Time will tell if the deal gets done, but the pieces are certainly in place for a potential shake-up between these two franchises.
