The Philadelphia 76ers and Chicago Bulls had a slow season start for various reasons. While the Sixers have begun to right the ship, the Bulls have continued to freefall down the standings in the Eastern Conference. Many rumors have come out of Chicago, including team issues with Zach LaVine and the front office possibly blowing the team up due to the slow start.
The Bulls have been dealing with a meniscus tear to Lonzo Ball, who didn’t finish the season last season and likely won’t get on the court this season. They have also dealt with chemistry issues this season, with local reporters discussing a halftime argument between the team and Zach LaVine. There have also been reports surrounding Zach LaVine and the Lakers.
Chicago is currently 13-18, and if they continue to lose, will the front office decide to be sellers at the trade deadline? If the Bulls begin to blow it, can the Sixers get in on the action? Who would be a target, and what would be the cost?
Sixers Swing for the Fences
Philadelphia 76ers receive:
Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls receive:
2023 Second-Round Pick (CHA)
2029 First-Round Pick
Zach LaVine has been the most talked about Bulls star possibly being on the move, and the Sixers could decide to get in on the bidding if he is put on the trade block. A package for LaVine would start around Tobias Harris, Matisse Thybulle, and a future tradeable first. He would fit better with the current iteration of the Sixers than DeMar DeRozan, as LaVine is a volume three-point shooter. In Philadelphia, Zach LaVine would be the third option most nights and the second option on nights he really gets it going.
Getting an all-star like Zach LaVine would help the Sixers on paper, but trading Tobias Harris at this point in time may be a mistake. Harris has adapted to his new role and has been a tremendous catch-and-shoot player for the team this year. His success in his new role has allowed James Harden and Joel Embiid to be more effective. Is trading for an all-star worth blowing up the chemistry that this team has worked hard to build?
The Return of Andre Drummond
Philadelphia 76ers receive:
Andre Drummond
Chicago Bulls receive:
2022 second-round pick (CHA)
Andre Drummond had some really good moments as the backup center for the Philadelphia 76ers last season before being traded to the Brooklyn Nets in the James Harden trade. During the offseason, he signed with the Chicago Bulls. His marriage with the Bulls hasn’t quite gone as predicted, playing the lowest amount of minutes in his career.
After a solid postseason, Paul Reed was declared the backup center but has recently seemed to fall out of favor with Head Coach Doc Rivers. Montrezl Harrell has gotten the majority of the reserve minutes in the last four games. If Doc Rivers is not going to play Paul Reed and continue his development, the front office should trade for a better fit as a backup center. Drummond is more of a lob threat and could work very well with James Harden.
Defense with Reliable Shooting
Philadelphia 76ers receive:
Alex Caruso
Chicago Bulls receive:
Matisse Thybulle
The Sixers used the offseason to build on a roster of two-way players that will be able to contribute on both sides of the court. This season, Matisse Thybulle and Furkan Korkmaz have been in and out of the rotation. It was rumored that the Philadelphia 76ers were shopping Matisse Thybulle throughout the offseason, so making a trade to get Alex Caruso, who is a solid two-way player, would be an upgrade. Caruso can contribute on offense when needed and has a ton of athleticism that the team could use.
Will the Sixers try to round out their roster for the playoffs? Absolutely! If a deal with the Chicago Bulls makes sense, you better believe Daryl Morey will make the call.
