1 Dream, 1 Nightmare, 1 Realistic Deandre Ayton trade after Donovan Clingan pick
By Reese Kunz
Nightmare Deandre Ayton trade for Trail Blazers
Ayton to Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are in rebuild mode after trading away Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Josh Giddey. Some analysts anticipate Zach LaVine to be the next Bulls' player on the move as they continue to clean house. LaVine is a great player, averaging 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game this season. However, there are multiple reasons why the Blazers should altogether avoid the LaVine situation this offseason.
They already have their version of LaVine in Anfernee Simons, an offensive-minded score-first guard who could provide more as a playmaker and defender.
Additionally, LaVine is a hefty five-year, $215 million contract that expires following the 2026-26 season. The Blazers just got out of the luxury tax, and the last thing they need to do is be on the hook for Lavine's deal, where he has a $48.9 player option for the final year of his deal. Portland already has enough to worry about with Jerami Grant's contract.
It would be one thing if the Blazers were contenders who wanted to add pieces to elevate their playoff hopes, but the 29-year-old LaVine doesn't fit their rebuilding timeline. Throw in the extra draft capital, and this hypothetical trade is a nightmare.