Golden State Warriors Receive: Zach LaVine

Chicago Bulls Receive: Kevon Looney, Gary Payton II, Andrew Wiggins, Atlanta’s 2026 second-round pick, Atlanta’s 2028 second-round pick

Another from-scratch shot-maker who stretches defenses well beyond the arc but doesn’t need to dominate the ball is pretty much the ideal target for the Warriors.

LaVine just about fits that bill. His defense remains shaky, and he’s more of a reactive passer than bona fide creator, but there’s no denying his scoring utility.

Last year saw his catch-and-shoot efficiency from downtown take a nosedive. The sample size is small enough to shrug it off. He ranked in the 87th percentile or better on spot-up efficiency over the previous four seasons, per BBall Index. He has also placed outside the 83rd percentile just once in pull-up three-point shot-making efficiency during that same span.

Certain suitors will be scared off by his contract. That potentially includes the Warriors. LaVine is owed around $138 million over the next three years. This package is almost a dollar-for-dollar match, so the 2024-25 payroll isn’t a concern. But his price point is something they’ll have to reconcile going forward as they prepare to pay Jonathan Kuminga and, potentially, Moses Moody.

My professional advice: You have Stephen Curry. Make the trade now, boost your immediate standing in the Western Conference and figure out the financial logistics later.

Whether LaVine’s value has fallen far enough for Chicago to accept seconds and longer-term cap relief is debatable. Or maybe not. LaVine would probably be on another team if there were a market for his services and contract.

Wiggins is far from a perfect player, but the Bulls aren’t exactly drowning in wings, and his deal runs the same length as LaVine’s while costing nearly $20 million less per year.

Chicago can push to expand the deal and nab Moses Moody. Golden State should push right back. Moody is integral to soaking up wing minutes without Wiggins, and again, which other team is offering more for LaVine?