The one Nuggets player the Bulls need to demand in a Zach LaVine trade

The one Nuggets player the Bulls need to demand in a Zach LaVine trade

The inevitable is near. Following months, if not years, of trade speculation, Chicago Bulls swingman Zach LaVine may have finally found a legitimate suitor. On Tuesday evening, it was reported that the 29-year-old is the top focus of the Denver Nuggets, who are said to be “canvassing the league in pursuit of a player who can offer significant help offensively,” according to the Athletic.

 

Given LaVine’s strong statistical output this season, he’s a valid target. The two-time All-Star is up to 21.7 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.2 three-pointers per contest while shooting an efficient 50.1 percent from the floor and 42.8 percent from downtown. Perhaps most importantly, after an injury-marred 2023-24 campaign, LaVine has appeared in 23 of 27 games thus far.

For what it’s worth, the Nuggets also expressed interest in Washington’s Jordan Poole, Utah’s Jordan Clarkson, Atlanta’s De’Andre Hunter, Brooklyn’s Cameron Johnson, and Washington’s Jonas Valanciunas. While all the aforementioned players are quality offensive contributors, none can compare to LaVine’s career accomplishments or career-long averages.

 

Furthermore, LaVine is a picturesque fit next to perennial MVP Nikola Jokic. The 6-foot-5 guard is a phenomenal spot-up shooter and deadly when left open. LaVine shoots 43.5 percent on his catch-and-shoot triples this season and 49.3 percent when left wide-open (at least six feet of space). In addition to his shooting prowess, he’s an adept cutter and lob finisher. LaVine is a seamless fit in a Nuggets’ lineup in need of offensive firepower.

 

Acquiring LaVine is a win-win for Denver, but what about the team giving up their leading scorer? First and foremost, Chicago will need a salary-matcher in this trade, given LaVine’s $43 million contract. Thus, Denver forward Michael Porter Jr., who earns roughly $36 million, is all but guaranteed to be included in any hypothetical trade.

Chicago should be after Denver’s Peyton Watson

However, aside from Porter Jr., the Bulls should be eyeing an enticing younger prospect to sweeten the deal. That player is 22-year-old forward Peyton Watson. After being selected at the end of the first round in the 2022 NBA Draft, Watson played sparingly as a rookie, only appearing in 23 games. Nevertheless, a lack of playing time was to be expected after averaging only 12.3 minutes per game in his lone season at UCLA

 

In his second professional season, Watson received increased playing time. He upped his averages across the board and notoriously led the Nuggets in blocks per game (1.1) despite ranking eighth in minutes played and standing 6-foot-8. Watson’s defensive potential was evident from early on.

Now, 24 games into his third season, the athletic forward averages 9.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 0.9 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game. And, after shooting 29.6 percent from beyond the arc a season ago, the 22-year-old is converting 37.7 percent of his 2.2 three-point attempts per game. Watson’s offensive game is beginning to blossom while he continues to wreak havoc on the defensive end.

 

Watson would immediately improve a porous Bulls’ defense

To further illustrate Watson’s game-wreaking defense, his opponents shoot 5.0 percent worse when Watson is the primary defender. Despite his lack of typical deterrent size, Watson forces his opponents to shoot 11.9 percent worse within six feet of the rim. Somehow, that percentage is worse than last season’s remarkable 13.6 percent decrease. The 22-year-old forward has the potential to be an NBA All-Defensive First Teamer for years to come.

As LaVine would aid in the Nuggets’ offensive turnaround, Watson would do the same for Chicago defensively. The Bulls rank 29th in opponent points per game, 27th in opponent field goal percentage, 29th in opponent turnovers, 24th in steals, and 17th in blocks. The Bulls lack defensive playmakers, especially at guard and on the wing.

 

Adding Porter Jr. and Watson to a rotation consisting of Patrick Williams, Matas Buzelis, and Julian Phillips might feel a bit redundant. The Bulls are currently overloaded with guards whose games are predicated on offense. Infusing size and defensive playmaking is imperative to raise Chicago’s long-term ceiling and Watson is the player to do just that.