Speculating on the NBA Trade

Patrick: One of the biggest discussions in Chicago right now is DeMar DeRozan or Zach LaVine—which should be traded during this trade season that ends Feb. 9? Before I let you guys have at it, as much as I would love for these guys— these elite ballplayers—to coexist as do, for example, the Boston Celtics’ Jason Tatum and Jaylen Brown, I’m not sure the personalities work. If I absolutely had to choose between DeMar or Zach remaining here in Chicago, because the East is relatively winnable now, I’d stick with DeMar.

Donald: I understand where you’re coming from. If—a big ol’ if—these two can’t co-exist, in order to win now, it may take DeMar staying to carry the Bulls over the hump. Even though he hasn’t yet won any championships, he’s played with quite a few champions.

Russ: Also, he’s been coached by San Antonio Spurs’ Gregg Popovich, who has multiple championships.

John: Personally, I don’t see the Bulls winning a championship constructed as-is. They’re currently in a state of flux. That said, I don’t believe there’s a trade out there—a possible one—that would help the Bulls. Not this season at least.

Patrick: I don’t know, man. If we’re bold enough to make a huge move—trading one of our top two guys, even top three if we add our center Nicola Vucevic—I believe we could creep into that top 6 and avoid the play-in games that determine what final two teams make the playoffs. We could surprise a team or two, especially if we avoid the Celtics until the East Finals. Plus, I heard possible murmurings of Atlanta Hawks’ All-Star point guard Trae Young being unhappy…

Russ: The Bulls do need a true point guard. Lonzo Ball could be traded with one of the big two. I don’t believe Lonzo will play in an NBA game this season. On a separate note, I don’t want the Bulls to trade our starin-the-making power forward Patrick Williams because every time we trade somebody, they become the star we’d hoped they’d become with us!

Donald: Lauri Markkanen, anyone?

Russ: Exactly.

Patrick: Russ, what do you have elsewhere?

Russ: Well, it looks like the Celtics, as well as the Milwaukee Bucks, will be looking to trade for pieces. I can’t imagine any of their huge pieces being moved, but this could be big, especially for the Bucks, who have yet to get back into the mix a fully-healthy All-Star Khris Middleton.

John: Makes a big difference to that team. As good as they are with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday, not having Middleton on board is tough. Could be the difference— again—with them getting to the Finals and winning or not.

Patrick: Over in the West, we have some powerhouses—some current and some looking to return to that level—gearing up to get it going. The Lakers—

Donald: There you go with the Lakers!

Patrick: Duh. Look, the Lakers already made the first move of this big season, picking up Rui Hachimura. Hachimura is Japanese, which could help with fandom. He’s also a big guy who can shoot and defend.

Russ: But that’s not all they’re going to do. I think this is the time when point guard Russell Westbrook is finally traded. Mind you, no telling who the Lakers will get in return, but, unfortunately, despite his good play this season, Russell’s presence has been a huge distraction and will continue to be so until he’s gone.

Patrick: Can’t wait to see how it all shakes out.

Vendors Russell Adams, John Hagan and Donald Morris chat about the world of sports with Executive Assistant Patrick Edwards.

Any comments or suggestions? Email pedwards@streetwise.org