2024-25 Team Developments: Trades / Free Agents / News / Rumors / Ideas

Three-team trade has the Lakers getting Zach LaVine, Walker Kessler, and Bulls second-round picks in 2030 and 2031. The Bulls receive Anthony Davis and the 2025 Timberwolves first-round pick (from Utah), while the Jazz get Christian Wood, the 2026 and 2028 Bulls first-round picks, and the removal of protections on the Lakers 2027 first-round pick. For the Lakers, this trade addresses Anthony Davis’s struggles against larger centers and his reliance on mid-range jumpers, while Kessler provides elite rim protection, youth, and an interior presence. LaVine bolsters their offense, helping LeBron win now without sacrificing significant future assets. The Bulls benefit from acquiring hometown star Davis, who could energize the fanbase and potentially help them contend, while the Jazz receive two first-round picks and other assets, meeting their demands for Kessler while furthering their rebuild. Bulls might do this for the hometown player aspect, and the fact that they are constantly on the fence between winning and tanking.

 

Yeah I’ve seen about enough of Hayes.

 

Well Hayes went from a lottery pick, to a vet minimum contract, in 4 seasons. That kind of tells you, all you need to know.

 

Yeah. Center is a glaring need even more so with AD not looking right on his foot.

 

If we are scrapping A.D., I’m scrapping LeBron as well and beginning a rebuild in earnest.

 

There’s no way the fanbase can handle a true rebuild. Just don’t see the kind of patience that requires of young players.

 

They could kind of do sort of a half-a** rebuild. The trade I posted above kind of initiates that. AD just might request a trade after the season.

 

I’d have made the move for Kessler (and probably tried to nab Sexton too at this point) if it’s on the table.

I liked buying low on Lavine over the summer as well.

I still think we should make a true go at building the best roster we can and seeing how far AD and LeBron can get us. If it fails, then you can blow it up and start over.

 

In on Utah.
Still out on LaVine, even with the year he's having. 1) I know our medical staff. 2) same issue with a DLO and AR backcourt, they will get murdered on defense.

But overall, 100% with the plan. Give these two a legit shot and see what happens.

 

if you don't like lavine as a defender, don't watch any of sexton.

 

Sexton is definitely flawed but makes sense to me now that DLO is gone.

 

The thing about Sexton is if you only watch him on occasion, the eye test might trick one into believing he’s a good defender. A lot of fake hustle and slapping the floor. You’re 100% correct though.

 

The price on Lavine is likely too high but with the way we look on offense I’m still intrigued.

I’m not against Vuc either.

 

Team is so close to be a true contender yet so far.

Al least with the DFS trade it's narrowed done the holes to a center and a scorer/heat check guy. Roster is real thin though so you have to add without losing which is difficult.

 

I understand what you are saying regarding the DLO/AR issue. In this scenario, I would put LaVine at small forward, and leave Max at shooting guard. So, LaVine would basically replace Rui, and though smaller, is only a slightly lesser defender. Rui -1.1 DBPM this season and -1.2 for career. LaVine -1.4 DBPM this season, and -1.3 for career. Max could also play 3. We also still have Vando (hopefully) coming back, who is bigger and could replace Max as the point of attack defender. With that said, I would still do it, even with the uncertainty of Vando coming back.

 

We are in desperate need of another facilitator/shot creator as well. If AR or Lebron gets injured we’re cooked.

 

A huge benefit of the 3 team trade scenario I posted above is that Utah would get two of Chicago's picks instead of our picks. This way, we could control our own destiny with those picks if we decide to fully tank. The Lakers could also negotiate to send the worse of the picks between LAL and CHI to Utah. We don't have to worry about another team controlling our picks, which would be the case if we just make a stand alone Kessler trade.