The Milwaukee Bucks are eyeing a significant trade opportunity involving Chicago Bulls stars Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucević. With LaVine recently returning to form—scoring 30 points in a thrilling comeback victory against the Memphis Grizzlies—his performance has drawn attention from the Bucks, especially as they search for a replacement for Khris Middleton.
LaVine’s Impact
Currently, LaVine is averaging 26.0 points per game while shooting an impressive 55.2% from the field. His recent 25-point outing against the Bucks has only heightened their interest. However, a direct trade involving Middleton would not be feasible due to LaVine’s substantial contract, which would push the Bucks over the salary cap’s second apron. This restriction complicates potential trades, making it necessary to involve a third team.
The Role of Charlotte
To facilitate a deal, the Charlotte Hornets could play a crucial role by taking on excess salaries from both the Bucks and the Bulls. The proposed scenario involves the Bucks swapping Brook Lopez’s contract for Vucević’s while sending three lower-salaried players, such as Pat Connaughton, AJ Johnson, and MarJon Beauchamp, to the Hornets. This maneuver would help Milwaukee remain under the salary cap threshold.
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In return, the Bulls could send promising young players like Julian Phillips and Dalen Terry to Charlotte in exchange for Grant Williams. This would create a 4-for-1 player swap, providing the Hornets with draft picks and young talent to bolster their rebuilding efforts.
Trade Outcomes
If this trade comes to fruition, the Bucks would acquire two All-Stars—LaVine and Vucević. While losing Lopez would be a setback, his expiring contract means the Bucks can mitigate the loss with Vucević, who adds offensive versatility. For the Bulls, parting with LaVine and Vucević allows them to move on from hefty contracts, receiving Lopez’s expiring deal and Middleton’s two years at $67 million.
Although acquiring Grant Williams may complicate matters, he represents a young asset that could easily be traded later. Losing young talents like Phillips and Terry could sting, but the Bulls may view this as a worthwhile sacrifice to reshape their roster.
