There could be a blockbuster trade available this summer that completely shakes up the Western Conference and Eastern Conference. A prospective 3-team trade between the Lakers, Warriors, and Bulls that sends Zach LaVine to Los Angeles, DeMar DeRozan to Golden State, and Austin Reaves and Jordan Poole to Chicago would be a significant move for all three teams involved. That’s right, there could be a complete reshuffling of each of these teams across the board.
For the Lakers, acquiring Zach LaVine would give them a much-needed scoring boost and a dynamic playmaker to pair with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. LaVine is a proven scorer who can create his own shot and play off the ball, making him a great fit alongside James and Davis. The Lakers would likely have to give up some young talent and draft picks to make this trade happen, but it could be worth it if they can win another championship with this new trio.
Meanwhile, acquiring DeMar DeRozan would give the Warriors a veteran scorer and playmaker who can help fill the void left by Klay Thompson’s increasing age. DeRozan is a proven scorer who can create his own shot and also facilitate for others, making him a great fit in the Warriors’ system. Remember, the Warriors are looking for any way to create a title-contending team after a season of complete disappointment. For the Bulls, acquiring Austin Reaves and Jordan Poole would give them some young talent to build around as they continue their rebuilding process.
Reaves and Poole are both promising young players who have shown flashes of potential in their limited NBA experience. The Bulls would likely have to give up Zach LaVine to make this trade happen, but they could potentially get some draft picks or other assets in return to help them build for the future.
This prospective 3-team trade would be a significant move for all three teams involved. The Lakers would get a dynamic playmaker in Zach LaVine, the Warriors would get a veteran scorer and playmaker in DeMar DeRozan, and the Bulls would get some promising young talent in Austin Reaves and Jordan Poole. It remains to be seen if this trade will actually happen, but it’s certainly an intriguing possibility to consider.
Here is what this blockbuster 3-team trade looks like on paper: literally, every team achieves its goals by competing for a championship or quickly rebuilding for the future.
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Zach LaVine, Draymond Green
Golden State Warriors Receive: DeMar DeRozan, Rui Hachimura
Chicago Bulls Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Jordan Poole, No. 19 Overall Pick from Golden State Warriors, 2029 First-Round Pick from Los Angeles Lakers
With each team earning valuable assets to achieve their goals, here is a more detailed analysis of why this deal works incredibly well as soon as the 2023-24 NBA season and onwards.
Los Angeles Lakers Create The Best Big Four In NBA
Zach LaVine is one of the most talented and explosive scorers in the NBA today. He has the ability to create his own shot and score from anywhere on the court, making him a valuable asset to any team. The two-time All-Star averaged 24.8 PPG, 4.5 RPG, and 4.2 APG on 48.5% FG, 37.5% 3-PT FG, and 84.8% FT. LaVine is making over $40 million until the end of the 2025-26 season, so he is a long-term cornerstone for any franchise at only 28 years old.
The Lakers, who have struggled with consistency on offense when LeBron James is on the bench, could greatly benefit from LaVine’s scoring prowess. LaVine’s presence on the Lakers would also open up opportunities for other players on the team. With defenses focusing on stopping LaVine, other players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis would have more space to operate and create scoring opportunities.
LaVine is also a solid defender, with quick hands and good instincts. His athleticism allows him to keep up with some of the league’s fastest players, making him a valuable asset on both ends of the court. Trading for Zach LaVine would make the Lakers a much more dominant team in the Western Conference. His scoring ability, defensive s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s, and ability to create opportunities for others would make him a valuable addition to any team, but especially to a team like the Lakers that is looking to compete for a championship in a conference that includes the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors, and Memphis Grizzlies.
Of course, Draymond Green’s presence would be invaluable as a starter alongside Anthony Davis. Green is 33 years old and can still defend at an elite level while acting as a primary playmaker as required (6.8 APG in 2023). With his championship experience and all-around ability, Green can still help any contending team get back to the top. LeBron will be 39 years old next year and he needs another two All-Star talents to truly get over the hump and win his fifth NBA title. The Lakers’ new starting lineup will feature Dennis Schroder, Zach LaVine, LeBron James, Draymond Green, and Anthony Davis, and that means the best lineup is created in the world.
Golden State Revamp Roster With Far More Consistent Offense
DeMar DeRozan and Rui Hachimura are two talented players who could potentially make a big impact on the Golden State Warriors. DeRozan is a proven scorer and playmaker who has consistently put up impressive numbers throughout his career. He has a great ability to create his own shot and is a reliable option in clutch situations. This season, DeMar made his 6th All-Star Team by posting 24.5 PPG, 4.6 RPG, and 5.1 APG on 50.4% shooting from the field, 32.4% from three, and 87.2% from the ᵴtriƥe.
Hachimura, on the other hand, is a young and promising player who has shown flashes of brilliance in his short time in the league. He has a versatile s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 set and can contribute in a variety of ways on both ends of the court. Hachimura averaged 11.2 PPG and 4.5 RPG this season and had a tremendous impact on the Lakers when he was acquired before the trade deadline.
Adding these two players to the Warriors’ already talented roster could make them a dominant force in the Western Conference. With DeRozan’s scoring ability and Hachimura’s versatility, the Warriors would have a well-rounded and dynamic team that could compete with the best in the league. Additionally, the Warriors have a strong core of players, including Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Andrew Wiggins, who could provide leadership and guidance to DeRozan and Hachimura as they adjust to their new team.
Of course, there are always risks involved in making trades, and it’s impossible to predict exactly how things will play out. However, if the Warriors were able to acquire DeRozan and Hachimura by giving up Jordan Poole, Draymond Green, and a first-round pick, it could be a move that pays off in a big way. The new starting lineup becomes Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, DeMar DeRozan, Andrew Wiggins, and Kevon Looney, with Hachimura acting as the new 6th man.
Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Andrew Wiggins were the core for the 2021-22 NBA championship, so giving them a 6-time All-Star in his prime and a consistent two-way forward in exchange for the underwhelming Jordan Poole and aging Draymond Green makes sense. With the right pieces in place, the Warriors could once again become a dominant force in the NBA and compete for championships for the next few seasons since Curry is still the best point guard in the world after posting 29.4 PPG, 6.1 RPG, and 6.3 APG on 42.7% shooting from three.
Chicago Finally Rebuilds And Still Has The Talent To Make The Playoffs
Trading for D’Angelo Russell, Jordan Poole, and Austin Reaves would be a smart move for the Chicago Bulls as they look to rebuild their roster. Russell is a proven scorer and playmaker who can lead the team’s offense, while Poole and Reaves are young players with potential who can contribute off the bench. Russell averaged 17.8 PPG, 3.0 RPG, and 6.2 APG on 39.6% shooting from three and is only 27 years old with a few years left of his prime. Poole averaged 20.4 PPG on 33.6% shooting from three and despite his up-and-down season, he is only 23 years old with a decade left of elite play. Reaves, of course, had a breakout campaign after averaging 13.0 PPG and 3.4 APG in the regular season before taking his numbers to 16.9 PPG and 4.6 APG in the playoffs.
With these additions, the Bulls would have a more well-rounded roster that can compete in the Eastern Conference in the long run. Russell’s ability to create his own shot and set up his teammates would make the Bulls’ offense more dynamic, while Poole and Reaves can provide scoring and energy on every possession. Poole is not a capable defender yet, but Reaves absolutely is and they will combine for a great duo on both ends of the court. While the Bulls may not be a championship contender right away, these additions could help them sneak into the playoffs and gain valuable experience for their young players.
The Eastern Conference is very top-heavy, with the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics leading the way, and the Bulls could take advantage of this by building a competitive team that can make a run in the postseason. Overall, trading for Russell, Poole, and Reaves would be a smart move for the Bulls as they look to rebuild their roster and compete in the Eastern Conference. With these additions, the Bulls could become a more well-rounded team that can make a run in the playoffs soon as next season and gain valuable experience for their young players. There is no doubt that the Bulls need to trade both DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine in the smartest way possible, and acquiring three players under 28 years old, along with two first-round picks, kickstarts the best possible rebuild.
